Chattogram Port Expansion Set to Boost Bangladesh Trade Capacity
The Chattogram Port Authority has announced a major expansion project aimed at increasing the port's container handling capacity by 40 percent over the next three years. The initiative, funded jointly by the Bangladesh government and international development partners, includes the construction of new berths and the dr
The Chattogram Port Authority has announced a major expansion project aimed at increasing the port's container handling capacity by 40 percent over the next three years. The initiative, funded jointly by the Bangladesh government and international development partners, includes the construction of new berths and the dredging of the Karnaphuli River channel to accommodate larger vessels.
Officials say the expansion is critical for Bangladesh's export-oriented economy, which relies heavily on Chattogram for 92 percent of its international trade. The port currently handles approximately 3 million twenty-foot equivalent units annually, but growing demand from the ready-made garment sector and other industries has strained existing infrastructure.
Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail said in a statement that the project will modernize operations and reduce turnaround times for ships. The plan includes installing advanced cargo handling equipment and implementing a digital tracking system to streamline customs procedures.
Local businesses have welcomed the announcement, noting that delays at the port have historically led to increased costs for importers and exporters. The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimates that inefficiencies at Chattogram add up to 15 percent to logistics costs for Bangladeshi firms.
The expansion also aims to improve safety and environmental standards. The project includes a new wastewater treatment facility and measures to reduce air pollution from dock operations. Environmental groups have called for strict monitoring to ensure compliance with international norms.
Chattogram, Bangladesh's second-largest city and primary seaport, has seen rapid urbanization in recent years. The port expansion is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, though local authorities are also working on housing and transport plans to manage population growth.
On the international front, the expansion aligns with regional connectivity initiatives under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt. Neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan have expressed interest in using Chattogram as a transit hub for their sea trade, a move that would require further infrastructure upgrades and bilateral agreements.
Analysts caution that the project faces challenges, including land acquisition disputes and the need for skilled labor. The government has pledged to address these issues through transparent procurement processes and vocational training programs.
The first phase of the expansion is expected to be completed by early 2026, with full operational capacity targeted for 2028. The port authority has invited private sector participation in terminal operations to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
As Bangladesh aims to graduate from least developed country status by 2026, the modernization of Chattogram Port is seen as a cornerstone of its economic transformation. The success of this project could set a precedent for infrastructure development across the country.