Foreign management needed to elevate Ctg port to internat’l standards: Adviser
NN ONLINE:
Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain has stressed the necessity of engaging foreign management to bring Chattogram Port up to international standards.
Highlighting crucial role of technology, financial investment and expertise in improving port operations, the Adviser said attracting investments worth four to five billion dollars could significantly enhance the port’s infrastructure.
He also noted many developed countries have privatized their port operations, suggesting that Bangladesh should consider similar measures to strengthen its position in the global maritime industry. The Shipping Adviser made these remarks while speaking to journalists during the inauguration of the Laldia Char Container Yard in the Patenga area of Chattogram this morning. He stressed that no one would be allowed to operate the port in a way that harms the country’s interests.
Dr. Sakhawat Hossain said the container storage capacity at Chattogram Port will increase from 56,000 TEUs to 66,000 TEUs with the establishment of the Laldia Char Terminal. This expansion will create new opportunities for businesses by adding storage space for 10,000 additional containers.
He assured that all necessary institutions to make the port more dynamic will be prioritized in their work, ensuring that national interests remain fully protected. Dr. Sakhawat reaffirmed the government’s commitment not to take any steps that could go against the country’s interests regarding the port’s development. Dr. Sakhawat Hossain said every decision will be made in a way that benefits the country. “The primary goal is to create opportunities for businessmen and promote economic growth,” he added.
The Adviser further stressed the importance of expanding Chattogram Port’s capacity to meet the growing import-export demands of Bangladesh. He said the interim government is actively working toward this goal, including plans to utilize the previously abandoned terminal at Laldia Char to strengthen the port’s operations. Efforts are underway to resolve the shortage of truck terminals in Chattogram, which has been a major cause of traffic congestion in the city and surrounding areas, he added.
During the event, it was revealed that the Chattogram Port Authority is developing a new container terminal on a 32-acre site, with a 14-acre yard already completed. The expansion will enable the port to handle 10,000 single containers and provide parking space for 1,500 trucks. Moreover, an 8-acre heavy lift cargo jetty backup has been established, along with a 10-acre APM terminal area.
Addressing concerns about the recent tariff increase at Chattogram Port, the Adviser explained that this adjustment — the first in 37 years — is essential for the port’s sustainability. He said while the increase will mainly impact traders, it is vital for the continued operation and development of the port.
“The tariff was set in 1984 and needs to be updated now. Currently, traders are earning Tk 1,000 while the port is receiving Tk 500. The operating costs of the port have increased across the board,” Dr. Sakhawat said. He further pointed out the need for tariff reform, citing that “the Chinese port operates automatically without human labor.”
He said adjusting charges is crucial to improving the quality of port services. Although a court case has been filed to suspend the increased charges for a month, the adviser reiterated the necessity of tariff adjustments. Later, Adviser Sakhawat also inaugurated the Taltala Container Yard, located near East Colony in the Bay Terminal area. During his visit, he inspected the XY Shed and Customs Auction Shed to review the facilities.
Meanwhile, the Adviser’s scheduled meeting on new tariffs and port charges at Chattogram Port has been postponed. Port Chairman Rear Admiral M Moniruzzaman and senior officials from the Ministry of Ports and Shipping were expected to attend the meeting.