Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday directed officials to increase the operational capacity of Mongla Port, accelerate its modernisation and ensure faster cargo handling during a visit to the country’s second-largest seaport.

He inspected the port’s overall operations and infrastructure, focusing on expansion plans, improved facilities and the potential to strengthen the economic prospects of the country’s southwestern coastal region.

Earlier, he toured parts of Khulna and coastal areas adjacent to the Sundarbans by helicopter and watercraft.

He subsequently visited the naval base BNS Mongla before proceeding to the port’s jetty area at around 3pm.

During the visit, the prime minister inspected the port expansion project, jetty facilities, container yards and other infrastructure.

He instructed the officials concerned to strengthen the port’s capacity to handle international trade, expedite cargo clearance and accelerate modernisation initiatives.

Senior officials of the Mongla Port Authority and representatives of the Shipping Ministry accompanied the prime minister during the inspection.

Following the port visit, Tarique Rahman was scheduled to review proposed development projects, including an economic zone planned by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), before returning to Dhaka.

Earlier on Thursday, the prime minister left Dhaka by helicopter for the Sundarbans at around 10am to inspect several development projects in the country’s coastal region.