Payra port could become economic blight, says Wahiduddin

Dhaka, March 23 -- Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud expressed concerns on Sunday that the Payra Sea Port in Patuakhali could become a "blight" on the country's economy.

He made these remarks after attending a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) at the NEC conference room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

During the ECNEC meeting, a revised project proposal for the first terminal and associated facilities of the Payra port was approved. The cost of the project has been increased to Tk 5,228 crore, reflecting a significant rise in expenses for the port's development.

He said, "Despite being called a seaport, its primary function is to bring coal for a power plant. It cannot even be considered a river ...