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

[Bilal9]

Ending all speculation, the construction of the Matarbari deep container seaport is now starting. The construction of a terminal consisting of two jetties (one for containers and the other for bulk cargo such as crude oil and cereals) at a cost of 6,200 crore taka will begin immediately after signing of the agreement with the JICA-designated Japanese contractor consortium in Dhaka on April 22 last. Construction is slated to end around 2029, when container handling will formally commence.

 

[Saif]

Matarbari Port to open new horizon for global trade: Adviser Sakhawat

The Matarbari Deep Sea Port will open up a new horizon for international trade and serve as a strategic investment for Bangladesh’s future, said Adviser to the Ministries of Shipping and Labour and Employment Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain on Tuesday. “This is not merely an infrast

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Matarbari Port to open new horizon for global trade: Adviser Sakhawat
FE Online Desk
Published :
Apr 22, 2025 21:34
Updated :
Apr 22, 2025 22:04

The Matarbari Deep Sea Port will open up a new horizon for international trade and serve as a strategic investment for Bangladesh’s future, said Adviser to the Ministries of Shipping and Labour and Employment Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain on Tuesday.

“This is not merely an infrastructure project—it is a cornerstone for the country’s long-term economic ambitions,” he said while addressing a contract signing ceremony in the capital for the development of the Matarbari Port under the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA), funded by JICA and CPA.

Once operational, the Matarbari Port will significantly boost the country’s cargo handling capacity by accommodating large vessels of up to 100,000 DWT, ease congestion at existing ports, enhance supply chain efficiency, and ensure direct access to the emerging industrial zones in Cox’s Bazar and Maheshkhali, he said.

Sakhawat also noted that the port is expected to help transform Bangladesh into a key energy and trans-shipment hub in the region, reports UNB.

Under Package 1 of the project, construction includes a 300-metre-long multi-purpose berth (for vessels up to 200m), a 460-metre container berth (for ships up to 350m), along with terminal buildings, pavements, retaining walls, sea walls, boundary walls, land development, dredging, land reclamation, emergency generators, solar power facilities, terminal utilities, and other ancillary civil and electrical works.

The terminal yard will feature around 5,100 ground slots for storing containers. With a 14.5-metre draft and the ability to berth container vessels of 300 metres in length and up to 8,200 TEUs, the port is projected to handle between 0.6 and 1.1 million TEUs annually by 2029, rising to an estimated 2.2 to 2.6 million TEUs by 2041.

Highlighting Japan’s support in the project, the adviser said, “The cooperation from the Government of Japan and JICA has been instrumental in turning the Matarbari vision into reality. Their technical expertise, financing, and capacity development contributions are deeply appreciated.”

The agreement was signed between Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman, chairman of Chattogram Port Authority, and Tomokazu Hasegawa, General Manager of Penta-Ocean Construction Co Ltd.​

 

[Bilal9]

Under Package 1 of the project, construction includes a 300-metre-long multi-purpose berth (for vessels up to 200m), a 460-metre container berth (for ships up to 350m), along with terminal buildings, pavements, retaining walls, sea walls, boundary walls, land development, dredging, land reclamation, emergency generators, solar power facilities, terminal utilities, and other ancillary civil and electrical works.

The 350-meter long container ship class refers to the A-class container ships, which are among the largest container ships in the world. These ships have a capacity of 8000 TEU. Here are some examples.

This ships are five times the size of container ships what CTG now handles.

However 8000 TEU is the very upper limit for the container handling berth at Matarbari. Which means it will commonly handle panamax and post-panamax size container ships (roughly 5000-6000 TEU ships) which will ply directly from Korean, Japanese and Chinese ports to Matarbari and also to EU ports from that port.

No transshipment (which commonly occurs now in S'pore and Colombo for import and export container traffic for Bangladesh) will be needed any longer.

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh gets $850 million in World Bank loans for Bay Terminal, social protection

Under the deal, the WB will provide $650 million to Bangladesh for the Bay Terminal Marine Infrastructure Development Project

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh gets $850 million in World Bank loans for Bay Terminal, social protection

Photo: Collected

Bangladesh has secured $850 million in financing from the World Bank to support the development of a major marine terminal in Chattogram and to expand the country's social protection programmes, the Economic Relations Division (ERD) said in a statement.

Two separate financing agreements were signed today (April 23) in Washington between the ERD and the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank's concessional arm.

Under the deal, the WB will provide $650 million to Bangladesh for the Bay Terminal Marine Infrastructure Development Project at Chattogram, the port city.

Another $200 million will go toward implementing a wide-ranging social protection project, according to a statement from the ERD.

Shahriar Kader Siddiky, secretary of the ERD, and Gayle H Martin, interim country director of the World Bank for Bangladesh, signed the agreements on behalf of their respective institutions.

The Bay Terminal project, overseen by the Chittagong Port Authority, is expected to significantly improve port efficiency by reducing vessel turnaround time and increasing capacity.

It includes the construction of breakwaters, capital dredging of the entrance channel and basin, and the installation of navigation systems.

The World Bank estimates the project could reduce daily economic losses by $1 million. Implementation is scheduled from April 2025 to June 2031.

The social protection project, to be implemented by the Department of Social Services and the Finance Division, will run from July 2025 to June 2030.

It aims to expand the national social safety net by developing a Dynamic Social Registry, strengthening cash transfer programs, and supporting livelihood opportunities for low-income populations.​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/views/opinions/threat-to-padma-bridge-posed-by-river-erosion

Threat to Padma Bridge posed by river erosion
Neil Ray
Published :
Apr 27, 2025 23:17
Updated :
Apr 27, 2025 23:17

The embankment built to protect the Padma Bridge project area is under severe threat, according to a report carried in a contemporary. A two-kilometre segment of the embankment at Jajira point of Shariatpur has started experiencing river erosion. The river has become deeper closer to the Padma Bridge and at the same time the erosion is approaching the bridge. Given the treacherous nature of the river Padma, a hydro-meteorological disaster cannot be ruled out if measures are not taken immediately to protect the river-line embankment at that point. The problem of this river is particularly treacherous because of the fast shifting soil of its bed. This is exactly happening to one-kilometre segment of the embankment and the rest one kilometre length is actually experiencing erosion.

This is not the first time that alarm bell has been sounded. Months before another report came up with the danger posed to the embankment and the bridge. But the authorities failed to respond to the call the way it should have done. Following the landslide of 100 metre of the embankment at Naodoba zero point in November last year, the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) and the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) jointly carried out a study. The study found that the depth of the river along one-kilometre stretch is greater than in the surrounding areas. What was of particular concern is that the soil of the river bed continued to move away from that segment. The river moved closer to the other segment of one-kilometre length. Erosion happened there too.

The BWDB has undertaken repair works of the 100-metre embankment that gave in last year in November. The repair consists of putting in place sand-laden geo-textile (geo) bags and cement concrete (CC) blocks at a cost of Tk27 million. Isn't it too little too late? Tortuous and treacherous, the Padma cannot be restrained by such patch works. Even in the lean season, it can break through the defence of strong embankment. The least said about its power in the monsoon the better.

An extensive and comprehensive study was well in order to see if there was any error or defect when the river training was done. The bridge authority constructed an embankment two kilometres to the east in order to protect the project area of the Padma Bridge. After the river training, the bank-line embankment reportedly was aligned to the one constructed earlier.

This is somewhat confusing. Without river training, the feasibility of a bridge is questionable. When a bridge of the order on a mighty river like the Padma is concerned, not just river training but river engineering should be conducted meticulously beforehand to determine the vulnerability or not of the structure to river erosion or shifting of the channel.

Any attempt to prevent erosion of the river by piling geo bags and cc blocks is most likely to prove a child's play. It is better to act on the basis of findings of river training and even river engineering. If needed, experts in hydro-meteorology from abroad can be hired to find out how grave the situation is and how it can be arrested sustainably. After all, this bridge has to be protected at any cost.

Early detection of any defect in the embankment will give better chance for obviating the threat effectively. There is also the need for analysing the anthropogenic impacts on the river. Sand extraction within the vicinity of the bridge was also reported a few times in the past. The bridge authority and the BWDB did not swing into action against the culprits to let such drives to act as a deterrent to the illegal and destructive practice. Before the worst happens, necessary remedial measures must be devised to save the bridge and the locality under threat.​

 

[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.​

 

[Saif]

UAE group getting MoU on Bay terminal investment extended

The government is extending the tenure of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) under which the Abu Dhabi Ports Group wants to invest in the potential port sector of Bangladesh, while an impasse keeps other scrambling foreign investors at bay. An impasse over appointment of a foreign operator

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Foreign firms bet billions on bay port ventures
UAE group getting MoU on Bay terminal investment extended

Syful Islam
Published :
May 23, 2025 00:28
Updated :
May 23, 2025 00:28

The government is extending the tenure of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) under which the Abu Dhabi Ports Group wants to invest in the potential port sector of Bangladesh, while an impasse keeps other scrambling foreign investors at bay.

An impasse over appointment of a foreign operator for New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) has been persisting for some time now amid contentions.

The AD Ports Group had signed the non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) one year back and its tenure expired last week, officials said.

Under the MoU, AD Ports Group had planned to invest $1.0 billion in construction of a multipurpose terminal under the Bay Terminal project near the Chittagong seaport, dubbed Bangladesh's commercial lifeline.

Also, PSA Singapore and DP World of the United Arab Emirates have put on stake $1.5 billion each to develop two container terminals under the Bay Terminal project.

The World Bank this past April signed a deal with the government to provide $650 million for construction of a 6-kilometre breakwater and access channels linking the Bay Terminal on the Bay of Bengal.

Moreover, local conglomerate East Coast Group and its foreign partners bet $3.5 billion on building a liquid bulk terminal in the Bay Terminal project.

Saif Powertech, the lone operator of the New Mooring Container Terminal since its inception, the biggest box terminal of Chittagong port, is local partner of AD Ports Group in Bangladesh.

Members of various political parties and labour organisations have stood out against the government move to appointment of a foreign operator, DP World, to operate the NCT.

According to Shipping Ministry officials, the high-ups of AD Ports Group met shipping adviser M Sakhawat Hussain on Tuesday morning to discuss an extension of the MoU and progress in Bay Terminal project implementation.

Sources say at the meeting the shipping adviser agreed that the tenure of the accord will be extended.

Contacted, Mr Hussain told the FE that the CPA chairman is now staying abroad and that "steps will be taken on the MoU after his return".

However, shipping secretary Mohammed Yousuf said following the expiry of tenure of the memorandum, AD Ports Group officials met the adviser and sought extension of the deal.

"Since this is not a legal document, we informed them that we will extend the MoU," he told the FE writer.

The Public-Private Partnership Authority (PPPA) had appointed UK-based Ernst & Young LLP transaction adviser in 2022 for the terminal. However, the company has yet to submit any report to the authorities, sources said. The tenure of this contract has also lapsed.

The Bay Terminal will enhance Chittagong Port's annual handling capacity to 5.0 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) from the current handling of around 3.2 million TEUs.

The Bay Terminal will have at least 12-metre water draft allowing 300-metre-long ships with 5,000-TEU-container-carrying capacity to take berth in the jetties any time at day and night.

The terminal will be built on 2,500 acres of land near the Bay of Bengal, now under global spotlight, according to officials concerned.​

 

[Bilal9]

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

View attachment 17568

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.​

I am sure the Indians are instigating the political parties in opposing appointment of foreign operators for NCT. They hugely benefit in any chaos in Bangladesh.

The political parties are unhappy because they supposedly aren't getting a cut of the foreign contract "proceeds". Which though - can be handled without much fuss.

Plus there is also massive opportunities for graft at the port, the local port operators at various levels and corrupt customs officials are the culprits, arresting some of these scumbags will set the right tone in warning them. But increasing chaos at this time may not be the best idea. Too many moving parts right now.

Bangladesh has well-established deep-rooted institutional corruption - defeating the symptoms and actors (both public and private) in one go will be tough, we have to have a concerted long-term plan. The actors have too many targeted mechanisms in keeping up graft and corruption.

 

[Saif]

I am sure the Indians are instigating the political parties in opposing appointment of foreign operators for NCT. They hugely benefit in any chaos in Bangladesh.

The political parties are unhappy because they supposedly aren't getting a cut of the foreign contract "proceeds". Which though - can be handled without much fuss.

Plus there is also massive opportunities for graft at the port, the local port operators at various levels and corrupt customs officials are the culprits, arresting some of these scumbags will set the right tone in warning them. But increasing chaos at this time may not be the best idea. Too many moving parts right now.

Bangladesh has well-established deep-rooted institutional corruption - defeating the symptoms and actors (both public and private) in one go will be tough, we have to have a concerted long-term plan. The actors have too many targeted mechanisms in keeping up graft and corruption.

Your analysis of the current situation which has been created by our political parties to stop Dr. Yunus from inviting foreign companies to operate our sea ports is correct. I blame BNP for spreading lies. Foreign companies will bring new technology and management skill required to run our ports efficiently. Local operators are corrupt and inefficient. They must not be allowed to run our ports until they reform themselves to achieve international standards in port operations.

 

[Bilal9]

Your analysis of the current situation which has been created by our political parties to stop Dr. Yunus from inviting foreign companies to operate our sea ports is correct. I blame BNP for spreading lies. Foreign companies will bring new technology and management skill required to run our ports efficiently. Local operators are corrupt and inefficient. They must not be allowed to run our ports until they reform themselves to achieve international standards in port operations.

My words exactly. Local corrupt politicians and port operators are progress and efficiency-opposing luddites.

They can see that our ports are seriously overburdened due to late implementation of new jetties but they will block things because of narrow self interest.

Their halwa-ruti is in question, so they are worried.

"Danda" is needed, but maybe not now.

 

[Saif]

CAAB hopes to complete negotiation with Japanese consortium by June

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is expecting to complete the negotiation with the Japanese consortium that will take the charge of operation and maintenance work of the newly-built third terminal of the country's prime international airport by June this year. CAAB Chairma

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

HSIA 3rd terminal
CAAB hopes to complete negotiation with Japanese consortium by June

GULAM RABBANI
Published :
May 24, 2025 00:59
Updated :
May 24, 2025 00:59

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is expecting to complete the negotiation with the Japanese consortium that will take the charge of operation and maintenance work of the newly-built third terminal of the country's prime international airport by June this year.

CAAB Chairman Air Vice-Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan told this correspondent that they are currently in negotiation with the consortium and hope to complete the formalities by June this year.

The consortium is seeking six to eight months to complete the formalities after finalising the agreement, while the CAAB is demanding that the consortium finish the tasks within five to six months, he said.

A Japanese consortium comprising four companies is likely to get operation and maintenance work of the third terminal for 15 years as the preliminary bid discussion went on successfully.

After the negotiation is completed, the consortium will need to recruit personnel, conduct training, and provide equipment and instruction to them. Finally they will have to check the equipment by running them.

All these formalities will take some time. The CAAB chairman said they are trying their best to open the 3rd terminal of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) by the end of this year.

He said the authorities are overseeing all aspects of the project, from airport development to operations, maintenance, licensing of airlines and aircraft, and pilot certifications.

The third terminal's construction is almost complete. Only some work remains in the VVIP section, which may take until June or July due to complexities in the contracts and delay in importing materials like granite flooring and ceiling components from abroad.

He noted that daily inspections at the third terminal are underway and the CAAB has a target to begin operation as soon as possible because this terminal has been built with loaned funds, which must be repaid.

"So, we are prioritising early operation," said the chairman, adding, "Each machine in the third terminal is now being checked one by one.

Our aim is to complete everything within this year and open it for passengers."

The consortium of four Japanese firms will oversee the terminal's operation and maintenance.

National flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines will continue to provide ground handling of the terminal under the supervision of the consortium.

Before that, a service level agreement (SLA) will be signed between Biman and the consortium.

Biman has been offering ground services since the country's independence, but its performance has faced criticism from other airlines over the years.

Responding to a question on Biman's continued involvement and concern over service quality, the CAAB chairman said, "As per current instructions, Biman will handle ground services for the next two years."

As is the case around the world, immigration police and customs will take care of security at the third terminal, said the official.​