River Port & Trade Hub of Narayanganj
Narayanganj — known as the “Gateway to Dhaka” — stands as one of Bangladesh’s oldest and most active river ports. Strategically located on the Shitalakshya River, it has driven trade, logistics, and inland water transport for over a century.
Overview
Location: 20 km southeast of Dhaka, along the Shitalakshya River.
Role: Central hub for inland cargo, trade, and industrial logistics.
Heritage: Evolved from colonial trade port to modern logistics center.
Geographical & Strategic Position
| Coordinates | 23°36′ N, 90°30′ E |
| Connectivity | Dhaka, Chandpur, Barishal, Khulna, Chittagong |
| Transport Network | Dhaka–Chittagong Highway & Rail |
| Strategic Edge | Closest industrial river port to capital |
Port Infrastructure
Authority: BIWTA
Berths & Jetties: 12+ operational, with private terminals.
Storage: 500,000+ sq. ft. warehouses.
Cargo Volume: 7–8 million metric tons annually.
Growth: 8–10% yearly cargo handling increase.
Types of Cargo Handled
- Industrial Inputs – Cotton, Dyes, Machinery
- Construction Materials – Cement, Steel, Clinker
- Agro & Consumer Goods – Rice, Edible Oil
- Export Goods – Knitwear, Garments
- Fuel & Energy – Petroleum, Furnace Oil
Private Terminals & Jetties
✅ Kanchpur Terminal – Cement & clinker
✅ Fatullah Jetty Zone – Textile exporters
✅ Siddhirganj Wharf – Serves Adamjee EPZ
✅ Nitaiganj Cargo Station – Agro commodities
Economic Contribution
| Inland Cargo Share | 25% (Dhaka region) |
| Employment | 100,000+ workers |
| Annual Revenue | Tk. 400+ crore |
| Trade Value | USD 3 billion+ |
Recent Developments
- BIWTA Modernization & Dredging Projects
- Container Terminal Expansion
- Proposed Inland Container Depot (ICD)
- Green Port & Solar Barges Initiative
- Improved Road & Logistics Links
Future Prospects
- Smart River Port Modernization Project
- Shitalakshya Trade Corridor Development
- Inland Container Terminal at Fatullah
- Digital Cargo Tracking System
- River Tourism & Waterfront Redevelopment
The Narayanganj River Port stands as a backbone of Bangladesh’s industrial economy — evolving into a smart, eco-friendly, and integrated logistics hub that bridges traditional trade with modern commerce for the capital region and beyond.