No anti-state deal will be signed on port operations: Shipping Adviser

NN Online:

Shipping Adviser M Sakhawat Hossain on Wednesday assured that the government will not sign any agreement with foreign companies that compromises national interests.

“There has been no agreement signed with any foreign entity to operate Chittagong Port. The current government will never enter into any anti-state contract,” he told reporters after a meeting on port operations at the Ministry of Shipping.

He acknowledged that major ports in Europe and developed countries operate efficiently under global port management companies like DP World and AD Ports. “To enhance Chattogram Port’s efficiency and support growing trade, preliminary talks are underway with DP World for managing the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT). But overall ownership and authority will remain with the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA),” he said.

Highlighting the benefits, the adviser said international-standard operators can improve operational capacity, attract larger vessels, reduce cargo handling time, and lower shipping costs. Container handling could rise from 4,000–5,000 TEUs to 6,000 TEUs, with annual throughput increasing by 15–20%.

He added that the government has proposed the Bangladesh Navy operate NCT for the next six months. CPA will appoint the operator, and there will be no job losses. All existing contracts with Saif Powertec will remain valid.