A cargo ship carrying a record number of reconditioned cars from Japan has arrived at Mongla Port directly for the first time.

The Malaysian flag carrier, MV Malaysia Star, carrying 1,280 cars docked at jetty 6 of the port on Sunday (August 7) morning, said Sheikh Fakar Uddin, harbour master of Mongla port.

Previously a cargo ship carrying reconditioned cars from Japan would first unload some cars at Chattogram Port and then come to Mongla Port. At that time, a ship generally carried 500 to 700 imported cars, he added.

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"But now importers are bringing cars directly through Mongla Port as the cost and distance have been reduced due to the Padma Bridge," said harbour master Sheikh Fakar.

According to the sources, importers and exporters are now showing more interest in Mongla Port as the distance from Dhaka by road has bee reduced due to the Padma Bridge. Recently Mongla Port has set a record in importing reconditioned cars, beating Chattogram Port, sources added.