In order to save the gradually shrinking Padma River from its imminent annihilation, Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation AHM Khairuzzaman Liton this time demanded for establishing an international river port in Rajshahi, reports BSS.
Besides saving the river, he claimed, a river port on the bank of Padma in Rajshahi has become the demand of time to strengthen and expand the trade and business in the divisional city.
Mayor Liton made this observation while addressing a views-exchange meeting with divisional Water Development Board officials at his city Bhaban office on Sunday.
Tajshahi WDB chief engineer Mohammad Ali, superintending engineer Amirul Haque Bhuiyan and executive engineer Syed Shahidul Islam were present at the meeting.
Mayor Liton told the meeting that Rajshahi had a river port during Pakistani regime. Goods-laden vessels from India and inside Bangladesh used to come Rajshahi. Mangoes from Rajshahi were sent to Dhaka by vessels.
But after the Farakka barrage, nowadays, the shelf wakes up all year round except for three months of rainy season. There should have an attempt to build the river port again by removing the existing sand.
He said that the river port will be cost effective in bringing goods from India and from other parts of the country. Bangladeshi businessmen will be able to bring products at low cost. Again, Indian businessmen can invest and export products to their country or others. The traders of the two countries will get benefit if the river port is built here.
Liton also says capital dredging in the Padma River adjacent to Rajshahi city has already been started creating a bright prospect of establishing a river port.
Upon the successful completion of the dredging works, huge lands will be reclaimed. “We have plans of establishing various infrastructures including Bangabandhu Safari Park, Hotel, Motel, Cottage and amusement sites on the land after massive plantation,” he added.
