Bangladesh plans to initiate discussions with India on reopening the long-abandoned Mogalhat Land Port in Lalmonirhat, which has remained closed for nearly four decades.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu announced the move on October 4 during a discussion with local residents at Mogalhat zero point. The meeting was organised by the Lalmonirhat district administration as part of the minister’s visit to the abandoned port.
Bangladesh plans discussions with India
Dulu said the government would hold discussions with India and take the necessary steps to reopen the port. He noted that during the previous Awami League government, there had been reports of a possible agreement between Bangladesh and India on reopening the facility, but no agreement was ultimately signed.
The minister said reopening Mogalhat Land Port could expand trade and commerce in Lalmonirhat and the wider northern region. It could also facilitate faster import and export activity between Bangladesh and India while supporting local economic activity.
Infrastructure and feasibility to be assessed
The meeting also examined the feasibility of reopening the port, the infrastructure that would be required and its potential economic impact.
State Minister for Shipping and Bridges Rajib Ahsan attended the meeting as the special guest, while Mohammad Manzurul Mannan, chairman of the port authority under the Ministry of Shipping, chaired the session.
Local residents called for the port to be reopened, arguing that renewed cross-border trade could support businesses, create employment and provide fresh momentum to the local economy.
No timeline announced for reopening
The government has not yet provided a timeline for discussions with India or the reopening of Mogalhat Land Port. Details regarding the investment required for infrastructure upgrades and the specific facilities needed to resume cross-border operations have also not been disclosed.
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