FW Desk News
FreightWatch.News
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Bangladesh secured a $336 million loan from China on Sunday, October 13, 2026, to develop Mongla port. The funding will support construction of two container jetties, a cargo yard, and modern equipment. The project aims to boost annual capacity by 394,000 teu, positioning Mongla as a viable competitor to Chittagong following completion of the Padma Bridge.
The expansion announcement coincides with escalating labor tensions at Chittagong, where port workers and political groups have staged mass hunger strikes opposing a 15-year concession granted to DP World to operate the New-mooring Container Terminal. The agreement, finalized October 8, has drawn organized resistance from worker coalitions demanding cancellation. Port Protection Sangram Parishad coordinator Humayun Kabir indicated workers intend to maintain pressure if government authorities remain unwilling to discuss the deal.
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