Bangladesh, with its extensive coastline and river network, has a variety of ports for different needs. Here are the main types of ports in Bangladesh:
- Seaports: Seaports are vital for maritime trade and passenger transportation. Bangladesh has several major seaports, including:
- Port of Chittagong: Located in the southeastern part of the country, Chittagong Port is the largest seaport in Bangladesh and one of the busiest in South Asia. It handles a wide range of cargo types, including containers, bulk goods, and petroleum products.
- Mongla Port: Situated on the southwestern coast, Mongla Port is the second-largest seaport in Bangladesh. It primarily handles bulk cargo, such as grains, cement, and fertilizer.
- River Ports: Bangladesh has an extensive network of rivers, making river ports crucial for inland transportation and trade. Some key river ports include:
- Sadarghat River Port: Located in Dhaka, Sadarghat is the largest river port in Bangladesh and serves as a major hub for passenger ferries and cargo boats.
- Narayanganj River Port: Situated near Dhaka, Narayanganj Port is an important inland port for cargo transportation and industrial activities.
- Oil and Gas Terminals: Bangladesh has specialized terminals for the import and distribution of petroleum products, supporting its energy needs and industrial sector.
- Fishery Ports: Given Bangladesh’s reliance on the fishing industry, there are ports dedicated to fishery activities along the coast. These ports support the fishing industry and the processing of seafood products.
- Container Terminals: In addition to the major seaports, Bangladesh has container terminals handling containerized cargo, facilitating international trade and transportation.
List of Largest Ports in Bangladesh
| Port Name | Type of Cargo Ships | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Chittagong Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 800 |
| Mongla Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 500 |
| Dhaka River Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 300 |
| Narayanganj Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 250 |
| Khulna Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 200 |
| Ashuganj Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 150 |
| Barisal Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 120 |
| Sirajganj Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 100 |
| Rajshahi Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 80 |
| Chandpur Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 70 |
| Bhola Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 60 |
| Mawa Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 50 |
| Sylhet Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 40 |
| Narail Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 30 |
| Pangaon Inland Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 25 |
Major Ports of Bangladesh
These ports collectively form a critical part of Bangladesh’s transportation and logistics infrastructure, facilitating trade, supporting economic growth, and enhancing the country’s connectivity with the rest of the world. They play a vital role in promoting regional development, supporting industrial activities, and improving livelihoods for millions of people in Bangladesh.
1. Chittagong Port
City Location: Chittagong
Latitude: 22.3257° N
Longitude: 91.7969° E
Chittagong Port is the busiest seaport in Bangladesh, handling over 90% of the country’s export-import trade. Situated on the banks of the Karnaphuli River, this port is critical for Bangladesh’s economy, providing a gateway for goods entering and leaving the country. Chittagong Port has seen significant upgrades to increase its handling capacity and efficiency, including the addition of modern container terminals and improved logistical support. The port’s strategic location near major shipping routes makes it a key node in regional maritime trade. It also boasts extensive warehousing and storage facilities that accommodate a vast range of goods from textiles to machinery. The government’s continuous efforts to enhance infrastructural facilities and streamline customs procedures have bolstered the port’s regional and global competitiveness.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Cox’s Bazar | 150 | N1 |
| Feni | 108 | N1 |
| Noakhali | 152 | N1, N102 |
| Comilla | 193 | N1 |
| Rangamati | 77 | R160 |
| Khagrachhari | 112 | R160, R170 |
| Bandarban | 76 | R170, R180 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Chittagong Railway Station – 3 km
- Sitakundu Railway Station – 37 km
- Feni Railway Station – 108 km
- Comilla Railway Station – 192 km
- Dohazari Railway Station – 44 km
2. Mongla Port
City Location: Bagerhat
Latitude: 22.4860° N
Longitude: 89.6037° E
Mongla Port is the second largest port in Bangladesh, located in the southwestern part of the country near the Sundarbans. It serves primarily as a bulk cargo and container handling port, with facilities to process goods such as jute, fish, salt, and sugar. The port has seen considerable development to cater to the increasing demands of international trade. The addition of new berths and improved dredging operations has significantly boosted its capacity. Mongla Port also plays a vital role in facilitating trade with India, Nepal, and Bhutan due to its proximity to their borders. Environmental concerns, such as preserving the nearby Sundarbans, have guided the development strategies at Mongla, incorporating sustainable practices to minimize ecological impacts.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Khulna | 62 | R760 |
| Jessore | 135 | N7, N706 |
| Satkhira | 130 | R790 |
| Narail | 107 | N705, N706 |
| Barisal | 170 | Via waterway |
| Rajbari | 140 | N8 |
| Faridpur | 195 | N8 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Khulna Railway Station – 64 km
- Jessore Railway Station – 133 km
- Bagerhat Railway Station – 22 km
- Rajbari Railway Station – 142 km
- Barisal Railway Station – 169 km (via waterway transfer)
3. Payra Port
City Location: Patuakhali
Latitude: 21.9945° N
Longitude: 90.2524° E
Payra Port, inaugurated in 2016, is one of the newest additions to Bangladesh’s port infrastructure. It was established to alleviate pressure on Chittagong and Mongla ports and to serve the southern regions of the country more efficiently. Payra Port enjoys a strategic position on the north bank of the Ramnabad Channel in the Bay of Bengal, making it an attractive location for maritime trade. The port features facilities for handling bulk and general cargo, and there are plans for significant expansions, including the addition of container terminals and logistic hubs. The development of Payra Port is expected to significantly boost the economic landscape of southern Bangladesh, enhancing trade flows and creating job opportunities.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Barisal | 75 | R881 |
| Patuakhali | 20 | R881 |
| Bhola | 85 | Via waterway |
| Pirojpur | 100 | R881, R870 |
| Jhalokathi | 95 | R881 |
| Barguna | 75 | R881 |
| Kuakata | 70 | R881 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Patuakhali Railway Station – 22 km
- Barisal Railway Station – 74 km
- Pirojpur Railway Station – 102 km
- Jhalokathi Railway Station – 97 km
- Barguna Railway Station – 77 km
4. Dhaka Port
City Location: Dhaka
Latitude: 23.7104° N
Longitude: 90.4074° E
Dhaka Port, also known as Sadarghat, is a river port in the capital city that handles domestic cargo and passenger services. Despite its smaller size compared to the maritime ports, Dhaka Port is crucial for the transportation of goods and passengers along the rivers of Bangladesh. It connects the capital with the southern and northeastern regions of the country, facilitating the movement of agricultural produce and industrial goods. The port is bustling with activity, serving as a departure point for many of the country’s river cruises and ferries. The government has been improving its facilities to enhance its operational efficiency and to ensure safety for the increasing number of users.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Narayanganj | 16 | Dhaka-Chittagong Highway |
| Gazipur | 25 | Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway |
| Narsingdi | 50 | N2 |
| Munshiganj | 24 | N8 |
| Manikganj | 40 | Dhaka-Aricha Highway |
| Tangail | 98 | N4 |
| Savar | 24 | Dhaka-Aricha Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Dhaka Railway Station – 1 km
- Narayanganj Railway Station – 18 km
- Gazipur Railway Station – 26 km
- Tangail Railway Station – 99 km
- Savar Railway Station – 26 km
5. Kutubdia Port
City Location: Cox’s Bazar
Latitude: 21.8166° N
Longitude: 91.8576° E
Kutubdia Port is a smaller, specialized port located in the Cox’s Bazar district of Bangladesh, primarily handling the loading and unloading of salt and fishery products. The port’s strategic importance lies in its support of the local fishing industry, one of the country’s most vital sectors. Despite its limited facilities, Kutubdia Port is crucial for the socio-economic development of the surrounding communities, providing direct and indirect employment to thousands. The government has plans to upgrade its infrastructure to improve efficiency and expand its capacity to meet the growing demands of the fishing and salt industries in the region.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Chittagong | 150 | N1 |
| Cox’s Bazar | 92 | N1 |
| Teknaf | 206 | N1 |
| Ramu | 120 | N1 |
| Ukhia | 177 | N1 |
| Maheshkhali | 75 | Via waterway |
| Pekua | 108 | N1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Cox’s Bazar Railway Station – 94 km
- Ramu Railway Station – 122 km
- Teknaf Railway Station – 208 km
- Chittagong Railway Station – 152 km
- Ukhia Railway Station – 179 km
6. Ashuganj Port
City Location: Brahmanbaria
Latitude: 24.0126° N
Longitude: 91.1865° E
Ashuganj Port is a river port located on the banks of the Meghna River, one of the major rivers flowing through Bangladesh. It primarily handles bulk and break bulk cargoes such as food grains, fertilizers, and cement. The port’s strategic location makes it a critical hub for transporting goods to the northeastern parts of the country, including the capital, Dhaka. It facilitates the inland water transport system, which is an essential component of Bangladesh’s logistics network. Ashuganj Port has been undergoing modernization to enhance its capacity and efficiency, including upgrading its docking facilities and storage areas to handle more cargo and reduce loading and unloading times.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Brahmanbaria | 10 | N1 |
| Comilla | 45 | N1 |
| Sylhet | 170 | N2 |
| Dhaka | 90 | N1 |
| Mymensingh | 112 | N3 |
| Narayanganj | 80 | N1 |
| Gazipur | 100 | N3 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Ashuganj Railway Station – 2 km
- Brahmanbaria Railway Station – 12 km
- Comilla Railway Station – 47 km
- Dhaka Railway Station – 92 km
- Narayanganj Railway Station – 82 km
7. Pangaon Port
City Location: Dhaka
Latitude: 23.7010° N
Longitude: 90.4500° E
Pangaon Port is an inland container terminal situated in the southern part of Dhaka. It was established to ease congestion at Chittagong Port by facilitating the transfer of containerized cargo via river routes. Pangaon Port is particularly crucial for industries located near Dhaka, allowing them to import and export goods directly, thereby reducing transportation costs and time. The port features modern container handling equipment and has a customs station that speeds up the clearance process. Its operations are integral to improving the overall efficiency of cargo movement within Bangladesh, supporting both the local economy and international trade relationships.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Narayanganj | 15 | Dhaka-Chittagong Highway |
| Gazipur | 35 | Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway |
| Narsingdi | 55 | N2 |
| Munshiganj | 30 | N8 |
| Manikganj | 55 | Dhaka-Aricha Highway |
| Tangail | 95 | N4 |
| Savar | 28 | Dhaka-Aricha Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Dhaka Railway Station – 15 km
- Narayanganj Railway Station – 17 km
- Gazipur Railway Station – 36 km
- Tangail Railway Station – 96 km
- Savar Railway Station – 30 km
8. Bhola Port
City Location: Bhola
Latitude: 22.6880° N
Longitude: 90.6468° E
Bhola Port is a small regional port located on Bhola Island in the Bay of Bengal. Primarily serving the local population, the port handles mainly agricultural products, including rice, fish, and livestock. It is an essential part of the local economy, providing a vital link for the residents of Bhola Island to mainland Bangladesh. The port’s activities include ferry services and small cargo ships that transport goods and people to and from the island. Plans for expanding and modernizing Bhola Port are underway to enhance its capabilities and improve the maritime infrastructure of the region, supporting sustainable economic growth.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Barisal | 116 | Via waterway |
| Patuakhali | 70 | Via waterway |
| Pirojpur | 150 | Via waterway |
| Jhalokathi | 130 | Via waterway |
| Barguna | 100 | Via waterway |
| Kuakata | 85 | Via waterway |
| Noakhali | 200 | Via waterway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- No railway stations nearby due to island location
9. Teknaf Port
City Location: Teknaf
Latitude: 20.8628° N
Longitude: 92.2973° E
Teknaf Port is located at the southernmost tip of Bangladesh, bordering Myanmar. This port is primarily used for the trade of goods between Bangladesh and Myanmar, including the transportation of agricultural products and consumer goods. Teknaf Port plays a critical role in the local economy, supporting cross-border trade and providing employment opportunities for the local population. The port facilities are relatively basic but are undergoing improvements to handle more significant cargo volumes and to facilitate smoother operations. Additionally, Teknaf Port is a key entry point for tourists visiting Saint Martin’s Island, contributing to the local tourism sector.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Cox’s Bazar | 80 | N1 |
| Chittagong | 230 | N1 |
| Ramu | 110 | N1 |
| Ukhia | 50 | N1 |
| Maheshkhali | 100 | Via waterway |
| Pekua | 40 | N1 |
| Saint Martin’s Island | 9 | Via waterway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Cox’s Bazar Railway Station – 82 km
- Ramu Railway Station – 112 km
- Ukhia Railway Station – 52 km
- Chittagong Railway Station – 232 km
- Noakhali Railway Station – 290 km
10. Narayanganj Port
City Location: Narayanganj
Latitude: 23.6238° N
Longitude: 90.5000° E
Narayanganj Port is one of the oldest river ports in Bangladesh, located just southeast of Dhaka. It plays a crucial role in the domestic trade network, handling a large volume of cargo that includes textiles, chemicals, and manufactured goods. The port facilitates the efficient transport of goods between Dhaka and other parts of the country, leveraging its strategic location along the Shitalakshya River. Narayanganj Port has seen significant investment in modernization, with upgrades to its cargo handling and storage facilities to improve its service capacity and operational efficiency.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Dhaka | 20 | Dhaka-Chittagong Highway |
| Gazipur | 40 | Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway |
| Munshiganj | 15 | N8 |
| Manikganj | 50 | Dhaka-Aricha Highway |
| Savar | 30 | Dhaka-Aricha Highway |
| Tangail | 100 | N4 |
| Mymensingh | 120 | N3 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Narayanganj Railway Station – 2 km
- Dhaka Railway Station – 22 km
- Gazipur Railway Station – 42 km
- Tangail Railway Station – 102 km
- Mymensingh Railway Station – 122 km
11. Barisal Port
City Location: Barisal
Latitude: 22.7010° N
Longitude: 90.3535° E
Barisal Port is a significant river port in southern Bangladesh, facilitating the movement of agricultural products, including rice, jute, and fish, from the region to other parts of the country. The port is a vital economic hub for Barisal, supporting the local fishing industry and acting as a gateway for goods entering and leaving the region. Barisal Port’s strategic location on the Kirtankhola River allows for easy access to the inland waterways of Bangladesh, enhancing its importance as a transportation and logistics node. The port is currently undergoing expansions to increase its cargo handling capacity and improve operational efficiency, benefiting both local producers and national trade networks.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Patuakhali | 70 | R881 |
| Pirojpur | 45 | R870 |
| Bhola | 116 | Via waterway |
| Jhalokathi | 25 | R881 |
| Barguna | 85 | R881 |
| Kuakata | 110 | R881 |
| Noakhali | 130 | Via waterway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- No nearby railway stations due to region’s reliance on waterways
12. Comilla Port
City Location: Comilla
Latitude: 23.4683° N
Longitude: 91.1825° E
Comilla Port is an inland port located in the eastern part of Bangladesh, close to the Indian border. It handles a variety of goods, including textiles, ceramics, and agricultural products. The port serves as a critical logistics hub, facilitating trade between the eastern regions and the rest of the country. Comilla Port’s strategic importance is enhanced by its proximity to major industrial areas and its role in supporting regional economic development. The port is equipped with modern facilities to handle bulk and containerized cargo, and ongoing investments aim to further enhance its capacity and efficiency.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Dhaka | 100 | N1 |
| Brahmanbaria | 50 | N1 |
| Sylhet | 210 | N2 |
| Feni | 85 | N1 |
| Chittagong | 180 | N1 |
| Noakhali | 95 | N1, N102 |
| Cox’s Bazar | 290 | N1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Comilla Railway Station – 3 km
- Dhaka Railway Station – 102 km
- Brahmanbaria Railway Station – 52 km
- Chittagong Railway Station – 182 km
- Noakhali Railway Station – 97 km
13. Khepupara Port
City Location: Patuakhali
Latitude: 22.1097° N
Longitude: 90.1120° E
Khepupara Port, located in the Patuakhali district, is a smaller port primarily used for local trade. It handles the transportation of agricultural products from the surrounding areas to the broader markets of Bangladesh. The port is strategically placed to serve the southwestern regions, and it plays a key role in the local economy by supporting agricultural and fishing industries. Khepupara Port is currently undergoing developments to enhance its infrastructure and increase its cargo handling capabilities, aiming to support the economic growth of the region and improve connectivity to other parts of the country.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Barisal | 100 | Via waterway |
| Patuakhali | 60 | R881 |
| Bhola | 70 | Via waterway |
| Pirojpur | 90 | R881, R870 |
| Jhalokathi | 80 | R881 |
| Barguna | 50 | R881 |
| Kuakata | 30 | R881 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- No nearby railway stations due to region’s reliance on waterways
14. Chalna Port
City Location: Khulna
Latitude: 22.8456° N
Longitude: 89.5403° E
Chalna Port, also known as Khulna Port, is located near the Sundarbans mangrove forests and serves as a significant hub for the timber and shrimp industries. The port handles a wide variety of goods, including industrial raw materials and agricultural products. Chalna Port plays a critical role in supporting the local economies of southwestern Bangladesh and is essential for the export of shrimp and other seafood. The port has facilities for bulk and break bulk cargo and is undergoing expansions to enhance its capacity and improve its infrastructure to meet the increasing demands of international trade.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Khulna | 25 | R760 |
| Jessore | 75 | N7, N706 |
| Satkhira | 80 | R790 |
| Narail | 60 | N705, N706 |
| Bagerhat | 50 | R790 |
| Barisal | 150 | Via waterway |
| Rajbari | 130 | N8 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Khulna Railway Station – 27 km
- Jessore Railway Station – 77 km
- Satkhira Railway Station – 82 km
- Narail Railway Station – 62 km
- Bagerhat Railway Station – 52 km
15. Sirajganj Port
City Location: Sirajganj
Latitude: 24.4568° N
Longitude: 89.7003° E
Sirajganj Port is an inland river port located on the Jamuna River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River. It serves as an important transportation and logistics hub for the northern regions of Bangladesh, handling agricultural products, textiles, and building materials. Sirajganj Port’s strategic location enables it to play a pivotal role in facilitating trade between northern Bangladesh and other parts of the country. The port has undergone recent upgrades to improve its cargo handling capabilities and operational efficiency, contributing to regional economic development and connectivity.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Pabna | 30 | R6 |
| Tangail | 100 | N4 |
| Rajshahi | 120 | N6 |
| Bogra | 70 | N5 |
| Mymensingh | 150 | N3 |
| Dhaka | 130 | N3 |
| Jamalpur | 100 | N3 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Sirajganj Railway Station – 5 km
- Pabna Railway Station – 32 km
- Tangail Railway Station – 102 km
- Rajshahi Railway Station – 122 km
- Jamalpur Railway Station – 102 km
These fifteen ports play various roles in the economic, social, and cultural fabric of Bangladesh, from facilitating global trade to supporting local economies. Their ongoing development reflects the country’s commitment to improving its maritime and riverine infrastructure, ensuring they continue to serve as vital links in Bangladesh’s transportation network.