[🇧🇩] Sea Ports/Air Ports/River Ports/Bridges/Mega Projects

[Saif]

Ports must be made world-class to make country investment hub, says chief adviser

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday directed the persons concerned to quickly settle discussions with potential foreign investors to increase the capacity of Chattogram port with world-class services in an effort to make the country an investment hub. "We’ll have to involve s

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Ports must be made world-class to make country investment hub, says chief adviser
UNB
Published :
Apr 30, 2025 20:25
Updated :
Apr 30, 2025 20:25

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday directed the persons concerned to quickly settle discussions with potential foreign investors to increase the capacity of Chattogram port with world-class services in an effort to make the country an investment hub.

"We’ll have to involve such operators in port management so that our ports can gain the ability to compete in the international market. We must make our ports world-class to implement the investment hub that we are talking about,” he said.

The chief adviser made the directives at a high-level meeting with officials of the Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA), Chittagong Port Authority, and other relevant departments at the State Guest House Jamuna.

The chief adviser urged all the concerned departments to complete the work by August through proper coordination.

BIDA and BEZA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun informed the meeting that the current handling capacity of Bangladesh's seaports is 1.37 million units per year, which can be increased to 7.86 million units in the next five years through proper planning and action.

He said that the currently operational New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port is capable of handling 1.27 million units per year and Mongla Port is capable of handling 0.1 million units. Their capacities can be increased to 1.5 million and 0.63 million respectively.

Ashik said once the construction of Patenga Container Terminal, Laldia Container Terminal, Bay Terminal and Matarbari Deep Sea Port is completed, Bangladesh will have a handling capacity of more than five million units.

He informed the Chief Adviser about the overall progress in the speedy completion of the Laldia Port work for foreign investment.

Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M. Sakhawat Hossain, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Senior Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping Mohammad Yusuf, Secretary to the Chief Adviser's Office Md. Mahmudul Hossain Khan, Chief Executive Officer of the Public Private Partnership Authority (PPPA) Muhammad Rafiqul Islam and Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority Rear Admiral S. M. Moniruzzaman, among others, were present.​

 

[Saif]

Govt plans to hire foreign firms to operate Ctg Port

The government is considering appointing some of the world’s most experienced port operators to manage Chattogram Port and other sea and land ports in the region, said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam yesterday.

www.thedailystar.net

Govt plans to hire foreign firms to operate Ctg Port
Says CA’s press secretary

Chittagong Port. File photo: Star

The government is considering appointing some of the world's most experienced port operators to manage Chattogram Port and other sea and land ports in the region, said Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam yesterday.

He expressed hope that the recruitment process would be completed by September this year.

Speaking at a press conference at the Chattogram Circuit House in the afternoon, Shafiqul addressed concerns regarding the rationale behind bringing in foreign operators instead of employing domestic ones.

"Chattogram Port is currently unable to handle cargo in line with the demands of today's global investors. Local operators, including Saif Powertec, are facing capacity limitations, which is a key reason behind the persistent container congestion at the port."

Shafiqul emphasised that the future trajectory of Bangladesh's economy hinges on the efficiency and capacity of Chattogram Port. "We have no alternative but to expand the capacity of the port, along with Patenga Terminal, Bay Terminal, and Matarbari Port.

"Chattogram and its surrounding areas are ideal for port-based development. We are in discussions with companies that have experience managing 50 to 100 ports globally."

Outlining the government's long-term vision, Shafiqul said the combined container handling capacity of ports in and around Chattogram currently stands at 1.27 million TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit). The government aims to raise this to 7.86 million TEUs by 2030.

One TEU is based on the volume of a standard 20-foot long intermodal container.

"To transform Bangladesh into an economic hub, port capacity must be expanded," he said, noting that a comprehensive strategy is being developed, which includes the improvement of the Dhaka-Chattogram highway and related infrastructure.

He assured that only top-tier companies with unblemished reputations will be selected, and the process will be fully transparent. "The agreements may be executed through open tenders or under a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement."

In response to a question about the establishment of a "humanitarian corridor" with Myanmar, the press secretary said, "I've already spoken on this matter clearly. We would consider a humanitarian corridor only if the United Nations takes the initiative.

"The entire matter would require discussions with both countries -- Myanmar and Bangladesh. The idea of a humanitarian corridor has come up because there is ongoing civil war in that region. I think it's premature. In our view, it's still a long way off."​

 

[Saif]

Yunus for foreign collaboration to boost Ctg port

Bangladesh interim government chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday underscored the need for engaging foreign expertise and cooperation to enhance the efficiency and capacity of the Chattogram Port, widely considered the economic lifeline of the nation...

www.newagebd.net

Yunus for foreign collaboration to boost Ctg port
Staff Correspondent . Chattogram 14 May, 2025, 12:35

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus visits the Chattogram Port on Wednesday. | BSS photo

Bangladesh interim government chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday underscored the need for engaging foreign expertise and cooperation to enhance the efficiency and capacity of the Chattogram Port, widely considered the economic lifeline of the nation.

During his visit to the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT-5) at the port in the morning on the day, Yunus said, ‘Bangladesh cannot unlock new economic frontiers without strengthening the Chattogram Port. To elevate its performance to international standards, we must welcome foreign expertise and cooperation.’

It is his first official visit to Chattogram after taking office as the interim government chief adviser on August 8, 2024, following the ouster of authoritarian Awami League regime amid a mass uprising.

He said, ‘In the past, I had only written about this port. Today, I have the opportunity to see it first-hand and initiate concrete steps. Our goal is to transform this into a truly global-standard port.’

Following a multimedia presentation at the port, the chief adviser alongside shipping adviser retired Brigadier General M Shakhawat Hossain and Chattogram Port Authority chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman addressed officials and stakeholders.

Later at the Circuit House, Yunus inaugurated the long-awaited construction work of the Kalurghat rail-cum-road bridge over the River Karnaphuli.

‘This bridge holds countless memories for me. Its historical significance is immense, and fulfilling the people’s long-standing dream of a new Kalurghat Bridge will alleviate sufferings,’ he said.

Road transport and bridges adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said that the current Kalurghat Bridge, built in 1931, had surpassed its usable life by 2011. The new bridge is expected to be completed by 2029 and become operational in 2030.

In a separate programme held at the Circuit House auditorium, Yunus handed over land deeds for a 23-decimal plot to the Chattogram Heart Foundation to facilitate the construction of a new hospital in the port city’s South Kattoli area. The deed was received by the Foundation’s chairman Mohammad Abdus Salam, also managing director of the Asian Group.

Health adviser Nurjahan Begum, who was also present at the event, announced plans for two more government hospitals — one at Hathazari upazila and another at Karnaphuli upazila. The health adviser also disclosed a proposal to build a dental college and hospital in Kalurghat area in the city.

Addressing the city’s long-standing waterlogging crisis, Yunus gave firm instructions during a views-exchange meeting on ‘Waterlogging mitigation and development of the Oxygen-Hathazari Highway’, held at the Circuit House at noon.

‘This year’s monsoon has already begun. While it’s unrealistic to expect a complete resolution of waterlogging this season, coordinated efforts by local government’s entities such as the city corporation and others must show visible results.

Solving Chattogram’s waterlogging crisis will serve as a model for other cities. We must not rely solely on theoretical discussions — we want real change,’ the chief adviser said.

He said, ‘Chattogram has the capacity that many cities do not. All institutions and communities must actively prove this capability through coordinated action.’

Later in the afternoon, Yunus attended the fifth convocation ceremony of the University of Chittagong, held at the university’s central playground.

Following the convocation, the chief adviser visited his ancestral home at Bathua village under Shikarpur union of Hathazari upazila, where he exchanged greetings with local residents and relatives.​

 

[Saif]

Container congestion at Chattogram port due to pen-down strike

A recent pen-down strike by customs officials across Bangladesh has severely disrupted operations at the country’s largest seaport, Chattogram, resulting in a massive build-up of containers both at the port and off-dock facilities. For several days, officials at all customs houses, including

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Container congestion at Chattogram port due to pen-down strike
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 19, 2025 23:19
Updated :
May 19, 2025 23:19

A recent pen-down strike by customs officials across Bangladesh has severely disrupted operations at the country’s largest seaport, Chattogram, resulting in a massive build-up of containers both at the port and off-dock facilities.

For several days, officials at all customs houses, including Chattogram Customs House, observed a pen-down programme, beginning their duties only after 3 PM. Though the strike was officially suspended on Monday (May 19), its impact continues to strain port operations.

As of now, over 44,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers remain stuck inside the Chattogram Port. Additionally, 19 off-docks are reportedly holding around 86,000 TEUs, exacerbating the logistical bottleneck, according to local media.

According to port sources, the internal yard of the port has seen an increase of more than 8,000 containers in just 19 days—an alarming rise directly linked to the slowed customs clearance during the strike.

Industry stakeholders warn that prolonged delays in container movement could disrupt supply chains, increase operational costs for businesses, and ultimately affect the country’s trade competitiveness.

Authorities are now racing to clear the backlog and restore normal operations, though the effects of the disruption may take days to fully resolve.​

 

[Saif]

Debates over leasing NCT to foreign operator intensifying

The debate over whether to lease out the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chittagong Port to a foreign operator is intensifying, with political parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and left-leaning groups, uniting in opposition.

www.thedailystar.net

Debates over leasing NCT to foreign operator intensifying

The debate over whether to lease out the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chittagong Port to a foreign operator is intensifying, with political parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and left-leaning groups, uniting in opposition.

The move, initially introduced under the previous Awami League government through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Authority, has gained traction under the current interim government.

While some political and labour groups are vocal in their opposition, authorities say that a feasibility study is ongoing, with the final decision to be based on its findings.

However, Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) M Sakhawat Hussain indicated that the administration is in favour of bringing in a foreign operator to manage the terminal.

Opposition parties argue that the NCT is already well-equipped and capable of delivering world-class services without external involvement. They claim there is no scope for expansion, making foreign investment "unnecessary" and appointing a foreign operator "irrational".

Completed in 2007 at a cost of Tk 469 crore, the 950-metre-long NCT has five jetties -- four for ocean-going vessels and one for smaller ships on inland routes.

'What's the point of leasing out a functional terminal?'

Humayun Kabir, former publicity secretary of BNP's labour wing Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal (Port unit), said that the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) invested Tk 2,000 crore to fully equip the terminal.

Now, he argued, there is little left to invest in.

Since 2007, local firm Saif Powertec Ltd had been running two of the jetties of the NCT on an ad hoc basis. In 2015, the CPA formally appointed Saif Powertec as the operator for four jetties.

Kabir criticised the appointment as being "politically motivated" and argued that if a new operator is to be selected, it should be done transparently through an open tender.

"Leasing out NCT to a foreign operator would drain revenue from a fully operational terminal," he claimed.

According to the CPA, the NCT generated Tk 1,216 crore in revenue in FY23, with net income after expenses amounting to Tk 574 crore. In the same period, Saif Powertec received Tk 79.13 crore as handling charges.

Jamaat-e-Islami city unit Ameer Shahjahan Chowdhury echoed Kabir's concerns.

He said, "We are not against foreign investment. But bring foreign investment for greenfield projects, for new ports and terminals; not for an already established terminal."

For the construction and operation of the proposed Bay Terminal and Laldia Container Terminal, the previous Awami League government started talks with global operators including PSA Singapore, DP World, AP Moller Maersk and Abu Dhabi Port.

In 2023, the previous government leased out the newly built Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) to Saudi firm Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) International for 22 years.

However, all those moves involving foreign companies did not face that much opposition.

Push for foreign investment

During a recent visit to the Chittagong Port, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun stressed the need for global operators to manage port facilities, citing efficiency and optimal utilisation as key to transforming Bangladesh into a global manufacturing hub.

"With limited land, we must ensure that every port facility operates as one of the world's best," he said. "Otherwise, we won't achieve our ambitions."

CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman also supported the move, saying that a global operator could introduce advanced technology and increase efficiency through competition.

"Appointing a foreign operator could maximise financial returns while modernising port operations," he said.

Political pressure foiled initial foreign operator plan

After the NCT's construction was completed in 2007, the CPA floated an international tender to appoint a foreign operator.

However, then shipping minister Shahjahan Khan and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Shipping Nur-e-Alam Chowdhury intervened, leading to the tender's cancellation.

The CPA then opted to equip the terminal using its own funds and appointed a local operator.

The terminal remained underutilised for eight years after construction. By 2022, it had its key equipment installed.

In 2022, talks to appoint a foreign operator at the NCT started. Salman F Rahman, the then private industry and investment adviser to the prime minister, was in favour of leasing out NCT to DP World.

In March 2023, the then Awami League government approved the appointment of an international private operator for operation and maintenance of NCT under Public Private Partnership.​