Shipping Adviser M Sakhawat Hossain on Wednesday said no agreement compromising national interests will be signed with any foreign entity.
“There’s been no deal with any foreign company to operate Chittagong Port so far. The present government will never sign any anti-state contract,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting on Chittagong Port management at the Ministry of Shipping in the afternoon.
He also said ports in Europe and other developed countries are efficiently run by global port management companies like DP World and AD Ports.
“To boost the country’s export-import trade, further efficiency is needed in Chattogram Port’s operations. CPA is working to upgrade port operations to international standards. Preliminary discussions are underway with DP World regarding NCT management. If they come, it will be under CPA’s authority, like other major ports worldwide, for a fixed term. The overall control and ownership will remain with CPA,” the adviser explained.
Sakhawat Hossain said engaging an international standard operator will enhance port efficiency and capacity, reduce cargo handling time and attract larger vessels, opening new maritime routes and reducing shipping costs.
Container handling is expected to increase from the current 4,000-5,000 TEUs to 6,000 TEUs, resulting in an annual 15-20% rise in container throughput, he added.
The advisers said the government has recommended assigning the Bangladesh Navy to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chittagong Port for the next six months.
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The adviser said the authority to operate NCT has already been given to the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) following a decision taken at the Council of Advisers meeting on Tuesday.
“CPA will appoint an operator to run the terminal. The government considers the Bangladesh Navy a suitable entity to handle NCT operations for the next six months. But, there will be no job losses for those currently working there. The Navy may also take assistance from previous operators if necessary,” he added.
Sakhawat said all existing agreements with Saif Powertec over port operations will remain unchanged.
Chittagong Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman was present at the meeting.