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Saturday | October 10, 2026 | Dhaka

NCT deal ‘sell-out’ claim baseless: Commerce Minister

 Staff Reporter
 Published: 12:01 AM, 10 October 2026  Updated: 11:42 PM, 09 October 2026

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has dismissed allegations that the agreement to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port amounts to a “sell-out” of the country, saying the deal aims to improve the terminal’s capacity and operational efficiency.

“Agreement was for a fixed term, after which Bangladesh could either renew it or end it. Describing the deal as “selling out the country” was a cheap and baseless claim,” the minister made the remarks while responding to journalists after an exchange meeting and a grant distribution ceremony organised by Sylhet City Corporation to mark Durga Puja, in Sylhet on Friday.

The responsibility for operating the NCT, the largest terminal at Chattogram Port, has been given to Dubai-based global terminal operator DP World.

The 15-year concession agreement was formally signed on Thursday, drawing criticism from various quarters.

Replying to questions from journalists, Muktadir said Bangladesh must make its production and export costs competitive with those of other countries to attract foreign investment and new investment from domestic entrepreneurs.

“If the government cannot make Bangladesh competitive in the global market, how can it attract investment?” he asked.

He said the government wanted to improve efficiency at Chattogram Port to achieve this goal, adding that the agreement was signed specifically to improve the country’s operational efficiency.

Muktadir assured that no one currently working at the port would lose their job.

He said improved efficiency would bring greater benefits to workers, including higher remuneration than they currently receive.

The NCT is a key part of Chattogram Port’s container-handling operations, making its capacity and efficiency important for the country’s import and export activities. Improvements in terminal operations are expected to help businesses move goods more efficiently.

Chattogram Port handles a significant share of Bangladesh’s seaborne trade. Efficient port services are important for exporters and importers, as delays in cargo handling can increase costs and affect delivery schedules.

The agreement has drawn public attention to the role of foreign operators in managing port facilities. The government’s challenge will be to ensure that the arrangement delivers the intended operational improvements while protecting workers’ interests and safeguarding Bangladesh’s economic interests.