US eyes port in Bangladesh for Bay of Bengal presence

The US is eyeing a port in Bangladesh under the Quad Ports for Future programme for establishing its presence in the Bay of Bengal, hoping to counter-balance China's presence in the region but the step may be too close to India's comfort.

The US has held an initial meeting with the concerned stakeholders in Dhaka this week as part of its plan in Bangladesh's port sector, ET has learnt. Persons familiar with the matter told ET that the US will first undertake a feasibility study before making concrete moves to set up a port.

ET had reported earlier this week that the US military is active in the strategically located Chittagong area of Bangladesh.

Ironically, India does not have a role yet in the US plan in Bangladesh though the move is made under the Quad Ports initiative.

India, meanwhile, is toying with the idea of a public-private-partnership model for building a port in Bangladesh in future. Japan is constructing a deep sea port at Matarbari in Bangladesh. Japan's involvement aims to establish a major regional transshipment and industrial hub, enabling large vessels to dock directly, reducing costs and transit times and enhancing trade for Bangladesh and its neighbours, including India's northeastern states.

Under the Sheikh Hasina government, India had in 2024 obtained the operational rights to a terminal at Bangladesh's Mongla port. In 2018, Bangladesh granted India full access to both the Chittagong and Mongla ports for transit and cargo shipping.