‘Laldia container terminal deal strategically valuable for Bangladesh’

Staff Reporter :

The recent agreement between the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) and Danish operator APM Terminals for developing and managing the Laldia Container Terminal (LCT), is a strategically significant move for Bangladesh, says experts.

Speakers at a programme held in Dhaka on Saturday lauded the move during a discussion, moderated by Fahim Mashroor of Voice for Reform; participants highlighted the potential economic benefits of the project – including improved port efficiency, increased cargo-handling capacity, and stronger global connectivity.

At the same time, several speakers expressed reservations about the revenue-sharing structure and the risk of siltation affecting high-draft vessels. Shams Mahmud, president of the Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, noted that such an agreement would have been challenging under a political government, stressing the need for transparent and careful implementation to ensure long-term success.

Md Anam Chowdhury, president of the Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers’ Association, cautioned about operational complications arising from siltation. Meanwhile, Syed Hasibuddin Hossain of the Bangladesh State Reform Movement called for greater transparency, citing previous incidents of corruption and mismanagement in similar projects.

The event also featured contributions from business leaders and political figures including Alauddin Mohammad of NCP, Kamrul Islam of Seaco Group, Rafi Salman Rifat of UP Bangladesh, Nasrin Sohana Mili of AB Party, Ahmed Muksit of Swosti Software, and M Saidur Rahman, alongside key speakers Shams Mahmud, Syed Hasibuddin Hossain, and Md Anam Chowdhury, who shared their perspectives on the LCT agreement.