DHAKA: Finance Adviser to the Prime Minister Mashiur Rahman Friday said Bangladesh would be benefited by allowing India to use Mongla Port.

“Awami League as well as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina promised that Mongla port will be a regional port in this part of South Asia,” he said while addressing a roundtable at the National Press Club.

The adviser also said the government has taken initiative to modernize the port, country’s second-largest seaport that reportedly remains almost unutilized. Besides, renovation and reconstruction works will begin within this year.  

Weekly ‘Chintadhaara’ organised the roundtable with the focus on more budgetary allocation for Aila-affected people in the southwestern region.

Mashiur Rahman alleged that contractors are not doing their jobs to reconstruct the dams affected by the cyclone Aila.

“The Prime Minister has already instructed the Finance Ministry to ensure more allocation in the budget for Aila-and Sidr-affected areas until the inhabitants are fully rehabilitated,” he told the meet.

The Adviser also stressed the need for easing country’s export-import rules. “Specific policies are also required in this connection,” he said.

Sheikh Harunur Rashid, president of Khulna Awami League, presided over the roundtable. Among others, Abdul Jabbar MP and Noor Afroz Ali MP attended the programme.

BDST: 1650 HRS, May 28, 2010
AKR/SMS/MUA