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Publication Date: 22, 2026

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had a series of official engagements scheduled during his visit to Khulna and Bagerhat on Thursday. According to the itinerary, his programme included an aerial observation of Hiron Point and adjoining areas of the Sundarbans, a meeting at Mongla Naval Base, an inspection of Mongla Port, and a visit to a proposed economic zone under the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA).

The Prime Minister’s Press Wing confirmed the visit schedule through information released by the Prime Minister’s Office.

According to the itinerary, the Prime Minister was scheduled to leave his residence for Tejgaon Airport at 8:30 am on Thursday. He was expected to depart by helicopter for the Sundarbans at 9:00 am and conduct an aerial observation of Hiron Point and the surrounding forest areas at around 10:00 am.

The Sundarbans, located in southwestern Bangladesh, is an important natural resource. Recognised as the world’s largest mangrove forest, it plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation, maintaining coastal environmental balance, and helping protect coastal communities from the impacts of natural disasters. The environment, waterways and economic activities of the surrounding coastal areas are also closely connected to the livelihoods of local people. Therefore, official visits to important locations in the region carry considerable significance.

According to the schedule, the Prime Minister was expected to land at the field of Nalion Secondary School in Dakop Upazila of Khulna district at around 10:30 am. He was then scheduled to travel by road to a launch terminal and proceed by waterway towards Mongla Naval Base in Bagerhat.

The next major engagement on the itinerary was a meeting at Mongla Naval Base. After arriving at the base’s jetty around midday and taking a lunch break, the Prime Minister was scheduled to attend a meeting at the wardroom conference room at 1:45 pm. The itinerary also mentioned the presence of the divisional commissioner of Khulna and the deputy commissioners of Khulna and Bagerhat.

Mongla Port is one of Bangladesh’s important facilities for international trade and import-export activities. The port contributes to industrial development, commerce and goods transportation in the southwestern region of the country. Improvements in its capacity, infrastructure and operational efficiency could strengthen cargo transportation and create opportunities for expanding business activities in the surrounding areas.

The Prime Minister’s afternoon programme included an inspection of Mongla Port’s overall operations and jetty facilities. The development of port infrastructure, implementation of expansion plans and improvement of commercial capacity are closely linked to the country’s economic progress. However, without confirmed information, it would be premature to claim that any new project was approved, funds were allocated or specific decisions were made during the visit.

Another important item on the itinerary was a visit to a proposed economic zone under the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority. According to the schedule, the Prime Minister was expected to inspect the proposed site at 3:15 pm.

Economic zones are intended to provide suitable environments for establishing industrial facilities, attract domestic and foreign investment, and expand employment opportunities.

The expansion of economic activities around Mongla Port could create new opportunities for local businesses, transport operators, suppliers and industrial entrepreneurs. At the same time, successful investment requires adequate transport links, reliable electricity and gas supplies, land availability, environmental protection and supporting infrastructure. These factors will be important for the future development of the proposed economic zone.

Khulna and Bagerhat are two significant districts in southwestern Bangladesh. The region’s rivers, port facilities, agriculture, fisheries and industrial activities contribute to the national economy. Conservation of the Sundarbans and its biodiversity is also an important consideration in regional development planning.

Against this backdrop, official visits to key infrastructure facilities and potential economic development sites can provide an opportunity to review regional development priorities and assess future possibilities.

The itinerary, signed by Md. Uzzal Hossain, Protocol Officer-1 at the Prime Minister’s Office, outlined the scheduled engagements. The programme also indicated that the Prime Minister was expected to leave Mongla’s helipad by helicopter for Dhaka at 4:00 pm and arrive in the capital at around 5:00 pm.

However, scheduled engagements may differ from activities actually completed. Any new decisions, project announcements or development plans made following the visit should therefore be verified through official statements from the Prime Minister’s Office or the relevant authorities.