BAGERHAT : Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam has said the first phase of work on the Mongla Economic Zone will begin in October, creating around 25,000 jobs.

Speaking at a reception organized by the Mongla Municipal BNP at Mongla Bus Stand this afternoon, the minister said employment would rise to about 60,000 once the second phase is launched.

He stressed the need for uninterrupted power and energy supplies to support industrialization in Mongla. In this connection, he said the possibility of supplying gas through a 23-kilometre pipeline from an area near Akram Point was under discussion.

The minister also said construction of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge over the Mongla River was progressing.

He said coordinated development of the bridge, Mongla Economic Zone, Mongla Port and energy infrastructure could bring significant economic transformation to Mongla and the wider southwestern region.

Bagerhat District BNP Member Secretary Muzaffar Rahman Alam, former Mongla Municipality Mayor Zulfikar Ali and local BNP leaders and activists attended the event.