Dhaka, Oct. 18 -- CHATTOGRAM, Oct 17: Construction of the Bay Terminal at Chittagong Port is set to begin this year, with the authority calling it the future gateway of Bangladesh's maritime trade.

Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) officials said the long-awaited mega project would be completed by 2031. An agreement has already been signed for construction of the breakwater and dredging of the access channel.

"The Bay Terminal will be the future port of the country as it will enhance the capacity of Chittagong Port," said CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman.

Supported by World Bank financing, the project aims to transform Bangladesh's shipping and logistics sector by allowing larger vessels to dock, reducing vessel turnaround time,...