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

[Bilal9]

Fund-sapping motivated megaprojects may be axed

Ongoing large and megaprojects will be reviewed and less-priority and "politically motivated" ones scrapped, says Planning and Education Adviser Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud of the interim government. "There are irregularities in taking up projects as some are undertaken by the influence of the co

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Fund-sapping motivated megaprojects may be axed
Adviser indicates, as 'irregularities' galore
FE REPORT
Published :
Aug 20, 2024 00:36
Updated :
Aug 20, 2024 00:36

View attachment 7609

Ongoing large and megaprojects will be reviewed and less-priority and "politically motivated" ones scrapped, says Planning and Education Adviser Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud of the interim government.

"There are irregularities in taking up projects as some are undertaken by the influence of the contractors and some are by dishonest persons," he said while briefing journalists Monday at the Planning Commission in Dhaka.

"Each of projects needs to be reviewed and scrutinised, as mostly are in indiscipline state…. Firstly, there are problems in the negotiations with the lenders for the foreign-funded megaprojects," he said.

He emphasized release of the funds in the pipeline which are committed by some development partners as that would give a cushion to the foreign-exchange-reserves crisis.

"Some approved projects are yet to be started, some in the middle and some in the last stage…Some projects are politically motivated, which are pledged by the political leaders in their election constituencies," says the economist-turned-functionary of the interim government, installed following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.

Those projects which do not have priority and better outcomes have to be reviewed and have to be scrapped, he categorically said in resetting priorities.

Prof Mahmud suggests the PC officials scrap the projects which are approved but involve waste of money.

"There are lots of irregularities in project design, cost estimation and execution period. The irregularities could be for a lack of capacity and could be for the influence of the contractors."

Referring to what is billed highest unit-cost record in Bangladesh's road constructions, the Planning Adviser said since there were irregularities, especially in the infrastructure-related big projects, their cost and time have been overrun.

The last Awami League government took up some megaprojects of which few are completed and many still ongoing. The ongoing 10 megaprojects have received nearly Tk 510-billion allocations in the current fiscal year (FY) 2024-25 Annual Development Programme (ADP).

The Roopur nuclear power plant alone has got an allocation worth Tk 105.02 billion, MRT-6 Tk 19.75 billion, MRT-1 Tk19.42 billion, MRT-5 (northern) Tk 59.68 billion, Bangabandhu Rail Bridge construction project Tk 25.60 billion.

Besides, the ongoing Padma rail-link project has received Tk 35.44 billion, Dohazari-Ramu-Ghundum rail line Tk 14.53 billion.

Some other megaprojects, including the Matarbari port development, Pyra port development, Dhaka Elevated Expressway, Dhaka-Ashulia elevated expressway, Airport 3rd terminal, and Elenga-Hatikamrul-Rangpur 4-lane highway projects, are also going on.

In the meantime, Dhaka-Chittagong Highway, Joydevpur-Elenga highway, and Tunnel under Karnaphuli river megaproject have already been completed.

Professor Mahmud said sometimes the ministries take non-priority projects for constructing complexes and buildings which remain idle and unutilised now.

"There is direct link between the public expenditure and macro-economy as our main target at this moment is stabilising economy and curbing inflation. For this reason, we have to reduce development expenditure which will cut the budget deficit and bring down inflation."

In overall macroeconomic management, project implementation, expenditure, and development budget have a big role, the adviser notes.

"There are some questions about the figure on GDP, inflation and other statistics of the BBS. We will review those and try to establish a credible statistical body of the government."

Terming faulty the past government's higher public-expenditure policy for enhancing GDP of the country, Prof Mahmud said they had only run for enhancing the growth rather not for creating employments.

Higher GDP growth is not the only factor in the macro-economy--employment creation is very important, notes the economist in upending the past 'development' pursuit.

For enhancing the GDP growth, the last government earlier tried to invest more in infrastructure development, considering it "very prestigious".

"I have earlier said only the infrastructure development will be like a skeleton without flesh and blood if we fail to develop our manpower," he reminds

"If we make delay in implementing projects, then price and time will get extended. You know that time is a big factor in the economy."

Prof Mahmud adds: "Some people think that their projects should not be stopped after some expenditure. However, we should consider-- how more funds will be spent and how much return we will get."

The adviser instructed the IMED to make a report on reasons behind 3-4 times revision of the projects, changing design at the middle and any negligence there.​

It is true some of the mega projects were undertaken due to the express need for corruption, but the people of Bangladesh will be the losers if some of them are not completed and put to use as planned. They need to be judged on a case-by-case basis, trimmed and scaled down if needed.

In my mind, whatever helps job-growth and logistics for communication and exports (such as container logistics for rail links and Metro rail), has to be prioritized ASAP. These include Road, Rail infra between major export zones and ports (selectively, making sure the politically motivated ones were not undertaken to help Hasina win votes, like rail link to Patuakhali).

Road infra and SEZ for job creation, such as Dhaka Bypass Expressway project and all the larger SEZs (Mirsarai) and foreign-country-dedicated SEZs (such as Japanese SEZ near Dhaka) need to be completed ASAP. FDI has to be attracted to projects in these SEZs as well.

Of critical importance is to immediately discontinue any project that is connected to transit and port use by the neighbor and discontinue sea-link cable-sourced bandwidth export and LNG-sourced gas export to India (Sagar and Runi lost their lives over this - Summit people have to be brought to book on this crime). We need all the bandwidth and LNG we can gather. Other countries will have to manage their own.

We should not have any interest in spending our money to provide free transport or transit services to any other country when they block our exports at every opportunity.

 

[Saif]

A pleasant surprise at Dhaka airport for incoming passengers

Passengers say they have been getting their luggage quickly at airport previously known for long delays

www.thedailystar.net

A pleasant surprise at Dhaka airport for incoming passengers
Passengers say they have been getting their luggage quickly at airport previously known for long delays

Representational image. Photo: Collected

For passengers with past experience of the Dhaka airport, the prospect of flying into Bangladesh's capital has not been a pleasant one, chiefly because of the seemingly interminable delays in getting their checked-in baggage.

But things appear to have changed as passengers are now getting their luggage very soon after landing at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

"It's a dramatic change at the airport. Earlier, we had to wait for a long time to get luggage and also for completion of immigration formalities. But at present the scenario has changed. I have got my luggage immediately after reaching the luggage belt," said Md Kamal Hossain, who came from New York by a Qatar Airlines flight recently.

Different groups in Facebook lauded the recent positive change at the Dhaka Airport over the past two weeks or so.

Abul Kasem, who recently came from Singapore, said the behaviour of immigration and other officials had changed. He also said that he got his luggage within 20 minutes of landing.

Group Captain Kamrul Islam, executive director of HSIA, told The Daily Star, "We are trying our best to ensure passengers get their luggage smoothly."

He said under the leadership of the new chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan who was appointed on August 18, all of their efforts are to ensure accountability.

He also said that with the constant coordination of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, which is providing ground handling facilities at the HSIA, the airport staffers are working throughout the day to improve the quality of baggage handling facilities.

"Alhamdulillah, passengers are getting 80 to 85 percent of their luggage within the stipulated time and for the rest of the luggage we are in a constant process to improve. It's a continuing process."

He said the first piece of luggage is now available at the belt within 18 minutes of the aircraft touching the boarding bridge and shutting down its engines and the last item is available within 60 minutes.

"We are trying our best so that passengers get the luggage and complete immigration formalities in the shortest possible time," he also said.​

 

[Saif]

BD unlikely to reroute external trade through Indian ports

Bangladesh government won't encourage businesses to use Indian ports for rerouting export-import trade as no special facility comes therefrom and a local deep-sea port is forthcoming, sources say. Vessel traffic from the under-construction Matarbari deep-sea port is not far off now-its operation i

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Cargo diversion from Matarbari deep-sea port
BD unlikely to reroute external trade through Indian ports
India's ports go cool on offering any special facility compared to regional shipping hubs
Syful Islam
Published :
Aug 31, 2024 00:09
Updated :
Aug 31, 2024 00:09

Bangladesh government won't encourage businesses to use Indian ports for rerouting export-import trade as no special facility comes therefrom and a local deep-sea port is forthcoming, sources say.

Vessel traffic from the under-construction Matarbari deep-sea port is not far off now-its operation is expected by 2026.

Officials concerned also have taken such a decision as the Indian ports may not be able to offer to Bangladesh any special facility compared to the regional transhipment ports in Colombo, Singapore and Port Klang.

They also point out that deployment of a adequate number of feeder vessels between Chittagong and Indian ports would be necessitated by the mother- vessel operators to launch shipping service on this route.

It is not clear whether the mother-or feeder-vessel operators will agree to deploy vessels on this route by considering business prospects, they have said.

SM Mostafa Kamal, a joint secretary at the ministry of shipping, led a 13-member Bangladeshi delegation early July to visit ports in Chennai, Krishnapatnam, Vishakhapatnam, Kolkata and Haldia.

The familiarisation trip aimed at observing the technical feasibility, commercial viability, and infrastructure facilities at the Indian ports and to discuss what additional facilities they can offer if Bangladeshi businesses use the ports for external trade.

The Bangladeshi delegation undertook the visit to Indian ports as a follow-up to a decision made at the Indo-Bangla shipping secretary-level meeting held in Dhaka.

Mr Kamal told the FE Wednesday that, while visiting the ports, the delegation members asked the port authorities to let them know in writing what additional facilities can be offered to Bangladeshi businesses for carrying out third-country export-import business using the ports.

"However, one and a half months have passed by since their visit, but the Indian port authorities didn't communicate further," he said.

"We will hold a meeting of the delegation members soon and submit a report to the ministry," he added.

Mr Kamal thinks cargo diversion to Indian ports would entail a big loss for the Matarbari deep-sea port which is expected to start operation in a few years time now.

Bangladesh's total annual external trade now stands at some US$120 billion maximum of which is being transported through Chittagong seaport.

However, increased congestions at the Chittagong port few years back forced Bangladeshi traders to look for alternative routes to carry export-import cargoes in a faster way.

As such, the issue was discussed at the India-Bangladesh shipping secretary-level meeting in 2023. At the meeting decision was made on assessing the technical feasibility and commercial viability of using the Indian ports, the officials said.​

 

[Saif]

Padma bridge: Project cost reduced by Tk 1,835cr

Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said last night that the construction cost of the Padma Bridge has been reduced “due to the adoption of a contractionary policy.”

www.thedailystar.net

Padma bridge: Project cost reduced by Tk 1,835cr
Says adviser

File photo: Star

Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said last night that the construction cost of the Padma Bridge has been reduced "due to the adoption of a contractionary policy."

"We are pleased to announce that the last estimated cost of the Padma Bridge project was Tk 32,605.52 crore. Now, with the adoption of the contractionary policy, the final cost stands at Tk 30,770.14 crore. This means Tk 1,835 crore has been saved," he said during a press conference at the service area 2 of the Padma Bridge's Jajira end.

He provided a breakdown of the savings, including Tk 530 crore from the main bridge, Tk 80 crore from river training, and Tk 178 crore from access roads and service areas. Additionally, Tk 500 crore was saved due to price contingencies, Tk 103 crore from land acquisition, Tk 200 crore from consultancy, and Tk 244 crore from other expenses, he added.

"After receiving instructions [from the chief adviser], I decided to cut costs across the ministries I oversee. This does not mean we will do less work; we will carry out the same projects at a lower cost so that we can implement more initiatives with the same budget," Fouzul said.

The Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project was completed on June 30 this year, approximately 17 years after its inception in August 2007.

The project underwent several revisions, with the cost rising to Tk 32,605 crore.

At one point, Shafiqul Islam, the then project director, had estimated that around Tk 1,600 crore might not be needed, predicting the final project cost to be around Tk 31,000 crore.​

 

[Bilal9]

BD unlikely to reroute external trade through Indian ports

Bangladesh government won't encourage businesses to use Indian ports for rerouting export-import trade as no special facility comes therefrom and a local deep-sea port is forthcoming, sources say. Vessel traffic from the under-construction Matarbari deep-sea port is not far off now-its operation i

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Cargo diversion from Matarbari deep-sea port
BD unlikely to reroute external trade through Indian ports
India's ports go cool on offering any special facility compared to regional shipping hubs
Syful Islam
Published :
Aug 31, 2024 00:09
Updated :
Aug 31, 2024 00:09

View attachment 7975

Bangladesh government won't encourage businesses to use Indian ports for rerouting export-import trade as no special facility comes therefrom and a local deep-sea port is forthcoming, sources say.

Vessel traffic from the under-construction Matarbari deep-sea port is not far off now-its operation is expected by 2026.

Officials concerned also have taken such a decision as the Indian ports may not be able to offer to Bangladesh any special facility compared to the regional transhipment ports in Colombo, Singapore and Port Klang.

They also point out that deployment of a adequate number of feeder vessels between Chittagong and Indian ports would be necessitated by the mother- vessel operators to launch shipping service on this route.

It is not clear whether the mother-or feeder-vessel operators will agree to deploy vessels on this route by considering business prospects, they have said.

SM Mostafa Kamal, a joint secretary at the ministry of shipping, led a 13-member Bangladeshi delegation early July to visit ports in Chennai, Krishnapatnam, Vishakhapatnam, Kolkata and Haldia.

The familiarisation trip aimed at observing the technical feasibility, commercial viability, and infrastructure facilities at the Indian ports and to discuss what additional facilities they can offer if Bangladeshi businesses use the ports for external trade.

The Bangladeshi delegation undertook the visit to Indian ports as a follow-up to a decision made at the Indo-Bangla shipping secretary-level meeting held in Dhaka.

Mr Kamal told the FE Wednesday that, while visiting the ports, the delegation members asked the port authorities to let them know in writing what additional facilities can be offered to Bangladeshi businesses for carrying out third-country export-import business using the ports.

"However, one and a half months have passed by since their visit, but the Indian port authorities didn't communicate further," he said.

"We will hold a meeting of the delegation members soon and submit a report to the ministry," he added.

Mr Kamal thinks cargo diversion to Indian ports would entail a big loss for the Matarbari deep-sea port which is expected to start operation in a few years time now.

Bangladesh's total annual external trade now stands at some US$120 billion maximum of which is being transported through Chittagong seaport.

However, increased congestions at the Chittagong port few years back forced Bangladeshi traders to look for alternative routes to carry export-import cargoes in a faster way.

As such, the issue was discussed at the India-Bangladesh shipping secretary-level meeting in 2023. At the meeting decision was made on assessing the technical feasibility and commercial viability of using the Indian ports, the officials said.​

This is good, not because of the loss of business to Indian ports, but because it makes eminent business sense. Our country, our rules.

 

[Bilal9]

Services at the country's largest airport, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), have improved to a large extent, and now the passengers are coming out from the airport at the shortest time after completing their necessary procedure.

The airport authority is now committed to providing top-class services to the passengers following changes in the government machinery. As a result, the improvement has been actively facilitated by all the stakeholders. The government has also appointed a new chairman for the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, the regulatory body of the country's airports.

The latest improvement in services is not only making the inbound passengers happy, but it is also building a good image of the airport both at home and abroad.

Earlier, after arrival at the airport, passengers had to face many queries from the immigration officials, and wait in long queues for at least 30 minutes. After completing the immigration, they had to wait for the luggage, as the luggage management system was very poor.

Additionally, at the exit point, they had to face harassments by the officials of customs and law-enforcing agencies. So, it took a few hours to complete the total procedure.

However, the passengers are now witnessing a pleasant check-in after landing at the airport and getting their baggage very quickly without any harassment. Recent efforts by the authorities have greatly improved the situation, ensuring a more pleasant and stress-free journey for them.

"It was an amazing experience for me. I received my baggage within 20 minutes that never happened in the past," Mohammad Nazrul Islam (50), a passenger coming from Dubai, told this correspondent at the terminal on Monday.

Mr Islam, a resident of Natore Sadar upazila, said previously he experienced different problems at the airport each time he came home.

He hoped that the HSIA authorities would continue providing such quality services and try to make it "a really international one".

Same observation came from Masud Hossain (53), who came from Abu Dhabi by a Biman Bangladesh flight on Monday. He received his luggage within 25 minutes.

Earlier, he came to the country several times, but faced a lot of difficulties at the airport. He had to wait for at least two to three hours for completing all the formalities there.

HSIA Executive Director (ED) Group Captain Muhammed Kamrul Islam told the FE that the authorities are trying their best to give the highest quality services to the passengers.

"A large portion of our passengers are remittance earners. We are trying to give them a pleasant experience when they leave the country or return home. We have set up cost-free help-desks for them during their departure."

 

[Bilal9]

Dhaka Shahjalal Int'l Airport 3rd Terminal progress notes

 

[Saif]

New Kalurghat rail bridge project ready for ECNEC nod

The century-old Kalurghat Bridge over the Karnaphuli River is finally going to be replaced with a new one at a cost of Tk 115.60 billion, as the interim government is likely to approve the first railway project after reviewing its cost. Official sources said the rail-cum-road bridge project is set

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

New Kalurghat rail bridge project ready for ECNEC nod
Munima Sultana
Published :
Oct 05, 2024 09:01
Updated :
Oct 05, 2024 09:19

The century-old Kalurghat Bridge over the Karnaphuli River is finally going to be replaced with a new one at a cost of Tk 115.60 billion, as the interim government is likely to approve the first railway project after reviewing its cost.

Official sources said the rail-cum-road bridge project is set to be placed in the next weekly meeting of the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC).

They said the project of the Bangladesh Railway (BR) was selected among eight others of different ministries to be placed before the ECNEC on October 7 as the Planning Commission has found the cost acceptable after reviewing it recently.

An official said the BR had sent the Kalurghat bridge project to the ECNEC on July 1 after revising the Development Project Proposal as per guidelines of the PEC meeting held on April 18. The first estimated cost was Tk 130 billion.

The length of the bridge will be 11.44 kilometres, including 700-metre main bridge which will be a dual gauge double line. The viaduct will be 6.2 km long.

The Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) of South Korea which will fund Tk 71.25 billion has conducted the feasibility study three times since then due to indecision over the bridge's design.

The original metre gauge rail bridge is used as road bridge after road traffic was allowed on it in 1962.

The new bridge site has been selected 70 metres upstream of the existing bridge with a navigation height of 12.2 metres.​

 

[Bilal9]

New Kalurghat rail bridge project ready for ECNEC nod

The century-old Kalurghat Bridge over the Karnaphuli River is finally going to be replaced with a new one at a cost of Tk 115.60 billion, as the interim government is likely to approve the first railway project after reviewing its cost. Official sources said the rail-cum-road bridge project is set

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

New Kalurghat rail bridge project ready for ECNEC nod
Munima Sultana
Published :
Oct 05, 2024 09:01
Updated :
Oct 05, 2024 09:19

View attachment 9199

The century-old Kalurghat Bridge over the Karnaphuli River is finally going to be replaced with a new one at a cost of Tk 115.60 billion, as the interim government is likely to approve the first railway project after reviewing its cost.

Official sources said the rail-cum-road bridge project is set to be placed in the next weekly meeting of the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC).

They said the project of the Bangladesh Railway (BR) was selected among eight others of different ministries to be placed before the ECNEC on October 7 as the Planning Commission has found the cost acceptable after reviewing it recently.

An official said the BR had sent the Kalurghat bridge project to the ECNEC on July 1 after revising the Development Project Proposal as per guidelines of the PEC meeting held on April 18. The first estimated cost was Tk 130 billion.

The length of the bridge will be 11.44 kilometres, including 700-metre main bridge which will be a dual gauge double line. The viaduct will be 6.2 km long.

The Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) of South Korea which will fund Tk 71.25 billion has conducted the feasibility study three times since then due to indecision over the bridge's design.

The original metre gauge rail bridge is used as road bridge after road traffic was allowed on it in 1962.

The new bridge site has been selected 70 metres upstream of the existing bridge with a navigation height of 12.2 metres.​

This was long overdue, the century-old bridge will be replaced with a modern one, while another one already exists. And of course there is the tunnel closer to the port, airport and old EPZ areas. In my estimation, they need at least three bridges over the Karnaphuli in various points up and downstream nearer the mouth of the Karnaphuli, but two will fill in for now.

Shah Amanat Bridge also known as Karnaphuli Bridge is the second constructed across the Karnaphuli River in Bangladesh, is the first major extradosed bridge in the country.​

 

[Bilal9]

Interim Govt. approves deep sea port project at Matarbari by Japanese firm. Currently a super critical coal powerplant has been built and exists there.







This is a nice VLOG describing Matarbari deep sea port plan.

 

[Bilal9]

Along with a deep sea port, Japanese companies will invest a Billion dollars for an FSRU LNG terminal at Matarbari

 

[Saif]

This was long overdue, the century-old bridge will be replaced with a modern one, while another one already exists. And of course there is the tunnel closer to the port, airport and old EPZ areas. In my estimation, they need at least three bridges over the Karnaphuli in various points up and downstream nearer the mouth of the Karnaphuli, but two will fill in for now.

Shah Amanat Bridge also known as Karnaphuli Bridge is the second constructed across the Karnaphuli River in Bangladesh, is the first major extradosed bridge in the country.​

View attachment 9335

Good Looking bridge

 

[Saif]

Why the cost of Matarbari deep-sea port project is going up

Four years after its approval, the cost of the Matarbari deep-sea port project in Cox’s Bazar has escalated, while the deadline has been pushed back too.

www.thedailystar.net

Why the cost of Matarbari deep-sea port project is going up

Four years after its approval, the cost of the Matarbari deep-sea port project in Cox's Bazar has escalated, while the deadline has been pushed back too.

Although the real physical progress on the project is still zero, authorities say five major factors have contributed to the project registering a 37 percent cost increase.

These factors include depreciation of the taka, additional land acquisition expenses and design changes, according to official documents submitted to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) meeting on Monday.

After the Ecnec revision, the project's total cost now stands at Tk 24,381 crore -- Tk 6,604 crore more than the initial cost of Tk 17,777 crore.

When the project, namely "Matarbari Port Development," was taken in March 2020, it was supposed to be completed by 2026. It has now been pushed back to December 2029.

As of May this year, the authorities spent Tk 710 crore. However, the real progress is still zero as the main construction work of the project has not started yet, according to official documents.

The project was taken up to increase the cargo handling capacity of the country, reduce the pressure on Chattogram port and meet the future international trade needs.

The concept of a deep-sea port in Matarbari emerged in conjunction with the government's coal-based power plant project in the area. The power plant required a wider channel and a port to receive fuel imports.

Of the five factors contributing to the cost increase, the project authorities have cited the fluctuation of the foreign currency exchange rate as the primary driver.

Although the real physical progress on the project is still zero, authorities say five major factors have contributed to the project registering a 37 percent cost increase

When the project was taken up in 2020, the US dollar exchange rate was around Tk 84, but it has now reached Tk 119.

Besides, the authorities have mentioned the increased spending for revenue payments, such as customs duty and value-added tax (VAT), as well as higher costs for land acquisition.

Thirdly, the authorities have allocated an additional Tk 675 crore due to changes in the detailed design, officially categorised as a "change of work scope".

As per the project documents, the length of roads and highways for the port will be 16.53 kilometres, which was 27.51km in the initial plan. In the revised plan, the length of bridges has been extended to 10km from the previous 7km.

These, all together, have caused the cost escalation for the "change of work scope".

Fourthly, the rate schedule of the construction work has been changed as prices of construction materials have increased over the years.

Lastly, the project authorities estimate that consultation expenses will rise further due to the three-year extension.

"Not a single penny will be spent unnecessarily"

At a press briefing after the Ecnec meeting, Planning Adviser Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud said although the main project is the construction of the deep-sea port, a large chunk of money will be spent on the construction of the approach road and bridge.

In response to questions about the costs of roads and bridges, the adviser said that no "unnecessary" or "extra money" would be spent.

The adviser said the Ecnec approval is not the final step, as the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) and relevant ministries will continue to assess project development regularly.

"Our development partners have also agreed that they will cooperate with us so that no irregularities take place during implementation," he said.

"We can't say what the next government will do. We want to make some rules in this regard," he added.

A planning ministry official said they have to seek consent from the government to review the existing projects. In particular, they got directives to move on with the foreign-funded projects.

At the press briefing, Prof Mahmud said, "We badly need a deep-sea port in Bangladesh as other ports, including Chattogram and Payra, do not have enough capacity to handle the excessive pressure of the future trades."

In the absence of a deep-sea port, the country's business transportation turns costlier thanks to loading and unloading containers on mother vessels at Singapore or Colombo port.

"It's also a time-consuming issue," he said.

"There was a lot of tension about whether China or India would do this project. Nothing was really happening for geopolitical reasons."

Finally, the government has selected Japan as the development partner, which charges lower interest and offers a longer repayment period, Mahmud said.

Besides, Japan usually completes projects timely, which they demonstrated in previous metro rail and the third terminal of Dhaka airport projects, he said.

"We never heard of any Japanese company involved in project corruption," he said.

"For this reason, Japan has been picked up for the project," he said.​

 

[Saif]

No FDI in Ctg port against country’s interest

The interim government will not approve any foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Chattogram port that will end up compromising the country’s interests, said Brig Gen (retd) Sakhawat Hussain, adviser to the shipping, textile and jute ministries, yesterday.

www.thedailystar.net

No FDI in Ctg port against country’s interest
Adviser says

The interim government will not approve any foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Chattogram port that will end up compromising the country's interests, said Brig Gen (retd) Sakhawat Hussain, adviser to the shipping, textile and jute ministries, yesterday.

The port's benefit to Bangladesh will be the foremost consideration in appointing a foreign operator, he said, adding that FDI was also important.

Hussain was addressing a press briefing at a Chattogram port jetty after visiting different project sites and infrastructure.

Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman and senior port officials were also present.

Referring to Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) being leased out to Saudi firm Red Sea Gateway Terminal International, the advisor said the port authority was still earning revenue in spite of a foreign operator handling operations.

Mentioning that the PCT had outpaced expectations and was earning the port $18 per container, Hussain said, "Now, if these foreign investments are questioned for the benefit of someone, foreign investors will be reluctant to come."

Regarding the proposed Bay Terminal project, he said, "I don't see any problem in the Bay Terminal project. Foreign investment will arrive for this project. Different foreign entities, including the World Bank, are eager to invest in the project."

However, he said, the port authorities had been directed to place a detailed presentation on the Bay Terminal project to relevant ministries. The ministry will then sit with other stakeholders.

Regarding the previous government's plan to appoint a foreign operator for the port's largest terminal, New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), the advisor said transparency would be ensured over the whole project irrespective of the final decision.

He added that a committee would be formed to iron out the issue.

Urging patience, he said the government would consider appointing a foreign operator for the NCT only if it was good for the port and its income and safeguarded the job security of the existing terminal workers.

Locals work at Patenga Container Terminal, informed Hussain.

Mentioning that there were many irregularities at the port and allegations of nepotism in issuing licenses in the past, the advisor said, "We have knowledge of everything."

He said there would be no more tenders under the direct procurement method (DPM) from now on.

"All work has to be done through an open tender process," he said.

"To that end, we will review the terms and conditions of the tender, so that it does not go to any particular firm, whether local or foreign," said Hussain.

"The direct procurement method will only be followed for government-to-government projects. They will also be properly reviewed," said the adviser.

He also underscored the need to introduce full automation, auctioning off year-old cargo and vehicles, and curbing irregularities to make port operations more efficient and speedier.

Replying to a query, CPA Chairman Moniruzzaman said misinformation was being spread about the CPA investing Tk 2,500 crore to construct the PCT.

"In fact, the investment was around Tk 1,300 crore. Over the next 22 years, we expect to get an income of Tk 5,500 crore. Furthermore, the foreign operator will invest Tk 22,500 crore to set up equipment," he said.​

 

[Saif]

Cargo movement halts at Ctg port

The transportation of export-import laden containers to and from Chattogram Port has been halted since yesterday morning due to a 48-hour strike enforced by prime mover drivers and their helpers.

www.thedailystar.net

Cargo movement halts at Ctg port
Drivers and helpers of prime movers call 48hr strike

Drivers and helpers of prime movers demand issuance of appointment letters and identity cards. Photo: Rajib Raihan

The transportation of export-import laden containers to and from Chattogram Port has been halted since yesterday morning due to a 48-hour strike enforced by prime mover drivers and their helpers.

The strike, called by the Chattogram District Prime Mover Trailer, Concrete Mixer, Flatbed, Dump Truck Workers Union, began at 6:00am yesterday and will continue until 6:00am on Wednesday.

The workers are pressing for several demands, including the issuance of appointment letters and identity cards, which they claim have long been denied by prime mover owners.

The union's president, Md Selim Khan, said that despite repeated requests, the owners have failed to address these issues. Additional demands include the implementation of fixed work hours and a minimum wage, reports our local correspondent.

As a result of the strike, cargo transport between private inland container depots (ICDs) and Chattogram port has been suspended.

Ruhul Amin Sikder, secretary general of the Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association, confirmed that prime mover drivers and helpers have ceased operations at all 20 ICDs since the strike began.

However, Abu Bakar Siddique, executive president of the Prime Mover Owners Association, dismissed the demand for appointment letters as "illogical", saying that the workers operate on a "no work, no pay" basis.

He added that the owners' association is meeting to address the situation and resume operations.

Over 10,000 prime movers are involved in cargo transport across the country, with around 4,000 responsible for moving containers to and from Chattogram port.​