Md. Masud Khan, Munshiganj (South)

 An international-standard container port will be constructed at Shimulia ferry terminal in Mawa, Louhajang upazila of Munshiganj. 

The port will be aesthetically designed. This was announced by the Adviser  to the Ministry of Shipping, Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, during a press briefing after a joint meeting held at the Conference Room of the BIWTA’s Dredger Base Building at Shimulia on Sunday.

Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Adviser to the Ministry of Home  and Ministry of Agriculture. Seda Rizwana Hasan,  Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources, Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Industries and Ministry of Housing and Public Works and Sheikh Bashir Uddin,  Advisor to the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Textiles and Jute, and Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism were present. 

Earlier on Thursday, the Shipping Adviser  visited Shimulia Ghat and outlined the master plan for the proposed port. In continuation, this important planning meeting was held on Sunday.

Before the meeting, Munshiganj DC Fatema Tul Jannat  proposed to turn Shimulia ferry ghat into an international standard tourism hub, in the presence of three advisors. On Thursday, BIWTA presented a masterplan for a tourism hub and eco-port centering the Padma Bridge at Shimulia.

The presentation, attended by the Shipping Adviser  Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, took place at the auditorium of the Dredge Training Institute at Shimulia. BIWTA announced plans to build a green eco-port on 31 acres of land involving 29 workers.

The proposed world-class eco-port will cost Tk 7.56 billion and will include river museum showcasing aquatic life, eco-resort with overnight stay facilities,swimming pool for recreation, kid-friendly zone and  modern ferry terminal preserving the traditional legacy of Shimulia

Inland Container Terminal has been modeled after Mongla Port

After the meeting, the Shipping Adviser  confirmed the government's intention to build an international-standard container port in the area. He mentioned this would be a significant development for the people of Munshiganj. Besides the port, integrated development plans will also be implemented. If any individual or organization comes forward with a suitable proposal, it may be considered under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan stated that 55% of the ongoing river training work in the area has been completed and is expected to finish by September 2026.

Local SP,  UNO  and other officials were present.