The government plans to hand over several land ports to the private sector and shut down those generating no revenue, said Textiles and Shipping Affairs Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain.

Speaking as chief guest during a visit to Hili land port in Dinajpur on Saturday afternoon, he said Bangladesh currently has 24 land ports, of which four have already been closed. “The process is underway to close four more unprofitable ports,” he added.

The adviser noted that infrastructure development plans are being formulated for commercially viable ports, with steps to address operational issues in phases.

During a meeting with customs officials, port authorities, and traders at the Hili land port conference room, business representatives urged the government to repair roads, upgrade warehouses, and improve infrastructure.

Sakhawat Hossain also inspected various facilities of Hili land port and customs, giving necessary instructions to the concerned officials.

Bangladesh Land Port Authority Chairman Mohammad Manjarul Mannan, Rangpur Customs Commissioner Arun Kumar Biswas, and Hili Customs Assistant Commissioner ASM Akram, among others, accompanied him during the visit.