BIWTA to build jetty at National Special Economic Zone

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) is set to build a jetty at the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) in Mirsarai, with a deal to be signed tomorrow (9 April) to speed up cargo transport by sea.

The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) said the jetty will enable faster and more convenient industrial and commercial operations through maritime routes.

Under the project, BEZA will provide land, while BIWTA will construct and operate the jetty. Major General (retd) Md Nazrul Islam, executive member of BEZA, told TBS that the jetty will be located west of Mirsarai, near the sea, making cargo transport easier using small vessels.

He said investors will be able to directly load and unload goods through the jetty, benefiting both exports and the domestic market. A profit-sharing model will be applied, with details to be finalised in a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

He added that the jetty will be built and operated under a long-term plan, significantly reducing logistics costs. Those currently building factories will also be able to transport construction materials more easily, he said.

BEZA said NSEZ is the country's largest economic zone, stretching around 25 kilometres along the coast across Sitakunda and Mirsarai in Chattogram and Sonagazi in Feni. The zone integrates industrial units with urban facilities.

At least 20 industrial units are already in operation there, while around 30 are under construction. The new jetty is expected to ensure faster and safer transport of goods for these industries.

Business leaders said the project will boost production and exports at NSEZ and open new opportunities for the inland water transport sector. BIWTA officials expressed similar views, noting that the jetty will ease water transport and significantly cut logistics costs.

A BEZA source said, "The jetty is extremely important for investors at NSEZ. It will create attractive infrastructure facilities not only for cargo transport but also for foreign and local investors."

Shipping Ministry Secretary Nurunnahar Chowdhury told TBS that the agreement with BEZA on jetty construction will be signed today. She said the project is already progressing, with land selected and the tender process ongoing.

The jetty will primarily handle industrial and manufacturing cargo. Tourism and other water transport activities are also being planned in an integrated manner. BEZA and BIWTA are working jointly to finalise policies on construction, safety and operations.

According to BEZA sources, the jetty will be built on reserved land in Mirsarai and will include multimodal logistics facilities such as a container terminal, rail link, road connectivity, and sea access. Three jetties are initially planned, with one to be operated by BIWTA and the other two by private investors.

BEZA said a strong road network and maintenance system are essential for economic zones. The government has directed the development of a flood- and disaster-resilient, growth centre-based road network connecting economic zones.

Plans are also in place to link these zones with land ports, river ports, seaports, and railway stations where applicable.

Under the national logistics policy, a world-class, efficient and environment-friendly logistics system will be developed using advanced technology. Sector insiders said this will improve industrial efficiency and sustain the competitiveness of Bangladesh's export goods and services.