Business and port users expect the 15-year agreement with Dubai-based DP World to operate Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to improve efficiency, reduce vessel turnaround times and minimise harassment.
However, they have stressed the need for transparency and safeguards against any increase in port-related costs.
Meanwhile, Bandar Rokkha Committee has vowed to continue its movement demanding the cancellation of the agreement, citing concerns over transparency and national interests.
The agreement was signed on Thursday at the Invest Bangladesh auditorium in Dhaka in the presence of Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam and State Minister for Shipping Md Razib Ahsan.
DP World Chairman Essa Kazim, UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulla Ali Al Hmoudi and Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury also attended the ceremony.
Under the agreement includes an upfront fee of around Tk600 crore and a commitment to invest more than Tk1,000 crore in modernisation, equipment and technology over the first 10 years. The CPA will also receive revenue sharing and a fixed annual fee of Tk10 crore.
Business expect less harassment, lower costs
Mohammed Amirul Haque, president of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told TIMES that operations at the Patenga Container Terminal have been free from harassment under the foreign operator, Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT).
He expressed optimism that DP World’s operation of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) would similarly help eliminate such hassles at Chattogram Port.
However, he stressed that it must be ensured that port users do not face any increase in costs. As the specific terms and conditions of the agreement are not yet known to him, he declined to comment on the deal as a whole.
Mahfuzul Haque Shah, a former director of the Chittagong Chamber, said foreign investment should be welcomed in the interests of economic development and the port’s overall progress.
However, he emphasised that complete transparency in implementing the agreement was essential.
The primary objective, he said, should be to address existing problems and accelerate port operations, ensuring that the investment delivers greater efficiency and better services.
Faster vessel turnaround a key expectation
Capt Md Salah Uddin Chowdhury, chairman of Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, welcomed the agreement, expressing hope that DP World’s expertise and modern management would significantly reduce vessel turnaround times and ensure that all cargo booked for shipment could be loaded and discharged as scheduled.
He noted that modernising the NCT would take time, with replacing old gantry cranes with advanced equipment potentially requiring six months to a year.
Addressing concerns over job security, he said the shipping minister had clarified that the agreement would not result in port employees losing their jobs.
“Our primary demands are to reduce vessel turnaround times and ensure 100% cargo loading and discharging according to bookings. All booked containers must be accommodated on vessels. Only then will this initiative achieve its full potential,” he said.
He expressed optimism that modern technology and efficient management would make the terminal more productive and profitable, benefiting the country’s overall economy and international trade.
Bondar Rokkha Committee vows to continue protests
While business leaders await improvements in efficiency, service quality and cost control, opponents are demanding greater transparency and a reconsideration of the agreement.
The Bondar Rokkha Committee has expressed strong concern over the agreement and vowed to continue its campaign for its cancellation and the protection of national capacity.
Fazlul Kabir Mintu, the committee’s member-secretary, said the government had yet to clearly explain the benefits Bangladesh would gain from handing operational responsibility to a foreign company.
Questioning the agreement’s transparency, he alleged that its details had been withheld from the public under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), leaving the potential benefits and risks unclear.
He also criticised the government for proceeding with a decision taken by its predecessor, alleging that certain individuals within the administration had influenced the move. The government’s response to these allegations was not immediately available.
Mintu said the Bondar Rokkha Committee would support a hunger strike announced by the Bondar Rokkha Shongram Porishad for 12 October. He added that protest tactics might change depending on the circumstances, but the movement would continue.
