Mongla Port is the Second Sea Port of Bangladesh and is the most Eco-friendly port of the country. It is situated on the southwestern part of the country at the confluence of Pussur River and Mongla Nulla approximately 71 nautical miles (131 Km.) upstream of the Bay of Bengal. It is located at Lat. 21026.9' N Long 80034.4' E. The port is well protected by the largest mangrove forest known as the Sundarbans, part of which has been declared as 'World Heritage' in 1997 by the UNESCO. Since 1950, Chalna port continued to function as a Government Directorate and in May 1977, the Directorate was converted to an autonomous organization called Chalna Port Authority. The Chalna Port Authority was again renamed "Mongla Port Authority" on 8 march, 1987.