Everything is ready for the launch of Sultanganj River Port in Godagari, Rajshahi — but the port remains inactive due to pending final approval from the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
The port has completed infrastructure development, navigability has been ensured on the Padma River, and 10 trial cargo trips between Bangladesh and India have been successfully completed.
Of the 11 concerned government agencies, approval from 10 has reportedly been obtained. Yet, the long-awaited commercial operation has not started.
Located only 18 kilometres from Maya or Dhulian river ports in Murshidabad, West Bengal, the Sultanganj-Maya river route was once an important trade link between the two countries. After a gap of nearly 59 years, the route was revived on 12 February 2024, with trial shipments of stone from India and garment waste from Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has already leased land for 25 years and completed necessary construction work. Dredging has been carried out to maintain navigability, while security arrangements are also being strengthened.
A high-level meeting held in Rajshahi last June discussed the urgent launch of the port. Officials said all necessary preparations had been completed and only NBR approval was required to begin full operations.
Business leaders said the delay in opening the port has raised questions. Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Hasan Ali said Sultanganj could become a major trade hub alongside Sonamasjid Land Port, creating employment opportunities and boosting the regional economy.
“There are approvals from 10 of the 11 agencies. Everything is ready, and only NBR approval is needed,” he said.
Meanwhile, allegations have emerged that some business groups in Chapainawabganj are opposing the port’s full operation, fearing it could reduce dependence on Sonamasjid Land Port for stone imports. However, there is no publicly available evidence confirming whether such objections have affected the approval process.
Officials and business representatives say clarification is needed on the current status of NBR approval and whether any administrative or technical issues are delaying the process.
Once operational, Sultanganj port could provide an alternative trade route for northern districts, including Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Natore, Pabna and Bogura. The port has the potential to facilitate imports of stone, marble, coal and industrial raw materials from India, while boosting exports of garments, jute goods, fish and agricultural products from Bangladesh.
River transport could reduce freight costs and create new opportunities in logistics, warehousing and transport sectors. Business leaders believe the port should complement, rather than compete with, existing trade routes.
