Government shuts three land ports, suspends one

The government has decided to shut down three land ports permanently and suspend the operations of one land port that has remained non-functional for years.

The decision was taken on Thursday at the Advisory Council meeting held at the Chief Adviser's Office (CAO) with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in the chair.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam disclosed the matter at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the city.

He said, "The Advisory Council has approved a proposal to shut down three land ports - Chilahati, Daulatganj and Thegamukh - completely. Besides, the operational activities of Balla Land Port have been suspended". 

The press secretary further explained that the decision followed a review and recommendations by a cabinet committee. 

"Although many land ports got approval in the country, most remain practically non-functional. The government has to bear additional expenses in keeping them operational as there are no adequate infrastructures or commercial activities," Shafiqul Alam said. 

Officers are posted there, and taxpayers' money is spent unnecessarily, he added.

The press secretary said that in the past, some land ports had been approved on political considerations, but no commercial activities had developed in those areas. As a result, these ports turned into unnecessary financial burdens for the government, he added.

Shafiqul Alam also informed that discussions were held about four other inactive land ports. However, decisions regarding those land ports would be taken later, he added.

Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad were present at the briefing.