Chittagong port must stay under domestic management: GOC

NN Online:

The Ganatantrik Odhikar Committee (GOC), a coalition of left-leaning political organizations, has strongly opposed the idea of foreign involvement in the management of Chittagong Port, urging the government to operate the key maritime gateway using local resources and expertise.

At a discussion titled “Why is Leasing Chittagong Port to a Foreign Company Risky?” held Saturday at the Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) auditorium in Paltan, participants highlighted national security, economic self-reliance, and workforce potential as key concerns.

Speaking as chief guest, economist and civil society activist Professor Anu Muhammad said the port is currently being managed effectively by local authorities. He emphasized the need for investment in capacity expansion and modernization rather than outsourcing operations.

“Bangladesh should strengthen its national capacity like Singapore did. Relying on foreign management risks undermining our strategic interests,” he warned, calling for the upskilling of the local workforce to international standards.

Engineer Kollal Mostafa echoed these concerns and demanded full transparency in all agreements related to port services. He also urged the government to appoint a competent domestic operator.

Former Chittagong Port official Jafar Alam presented an in-depth overview of the port’s operational system, while other speakers included Sheikh Nurullah Bahar, General Secretary of Chittagong Port CBA, and activist Mahi Mirza.

Concluding the event, the GOC announced a long march to Chittagong Port starting from the Jatiya Press Club on June 28 to press home their demands.