Dhaka, Feb 8 (PTI) – In a significant turn of events, Bangladesh has retracted its plan to lease a major container terminal at the strategic seaport town of Chattogram to a foreign operator. This decision comes amidst intensified protests leading up to the February 12 election.
The announcement was made by a high-ranking official from the administration of Prime Minister Yunus, as dock workers initiated a fresh indefinite shutdown. This followed two days of pause after a previous six-day protest against the interim government’s controversial plan to lease the port to a foreign private entity.
Key Insights from Bangladesh Investment Development Authority
Ashik Bin Harun, chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), indicated that discussions regarding the leasing deal may extend beyond the current government’s tenure. He noted that negotiations for the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) had reached an advanced stage with Dubai-based DP World. However, DP World has requested additional time to review the draft concession agreement after praising the progress of the talks.
The Government’s Response to Protests
Retired Brigadier General Sakhawat Hussain, the Shipping Adviser to the interim government, stated that the administration would take a “hard line” regarding the ongoing protests. He emphasized that the port strike, which has severely disrupted vessel movements, could not be allowed to continue. Reports indicate that several individuals have been detained in connection with the protests, with potential further detentions expected.
Impact on Bangladesh’s International Trade
Workers at the Chattogram seaport recently launched an indefinite strike in response to the government’s decision to lease the key container terminal to a foreign operator. Humayun Kabir, coordinator of the Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad, described the lease as a “suicidal decision.”
Bangladesh’s High Court previously ruled that the contract between the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) and DP World was legal, clearing the path for a 25-year lease agreement for the NCT, which has been operational since 2007. Notably, NCT handles around 40% of the nation’s international trade, with 95% of Bangladesh’s global trade passing through four major terminals.
As events unfold, the future of the port deal remains uncertain, with the next government likely to continue negotiations after the upcoming election.