Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said on Wednesday that the interim government had taken initiatives to turn Chattogram Port into a world-class facility by inviting top global port management companies.
Yunus revealed the plan while speaking at the New Mooring Container Terminal of the country’s prime port during the first event of his day-long tour in Chattogram, where he was briefed on the port’s capacity, said a statement by the CA’s Press Wing.
“It will be a big opportunity for us,” said the chief adviser, adding that once the government’s plans are realised, it will improve the country’s economy and create jobs for thousands of people.
“If we have to change the economy of Bangladesh, Chattogram Port is the hope. Without it, there is no alternative,” he said.
Calling Chattogram Port the heart of Bangladesh’s economy, the chief adviser said, “If the heart is weak, no physician could make it function better. This is why we have to make it world-class.”
“They [top global port management firms] were invited earlier, but there was no meaningful progress,” he said.
“This heart has to be connected with neighbours, which is why I mentioned Nepal and the Seven Sisters [the seven north-eastern states of India]. If they are connected to it, they will benefit, and so will we. Those who are not connected will be the losers,” he said.
Recalling his childhood memories of Chattogram Port, the chief adviser said he had been looking forward to the visit.
“Chattogram Port is not a new place to me. I have been familiar with it since my childhood. It has changed a lot over the years, but it’s sad to see that the changes have been slow. Since I got a chance, from day one I have been trying to see what could be done for it,” he said.
“The world has moved ahead a great deal, and we are lagging far behind. Nobody seems to care about it. This is why I have been pushing for change.
I asked that the responsibility of port handling be handed over to the world’s top operators. I hope everyone will realise the importance of this,” he said.
Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Sakhawat Hossain lauded the chief adviser’s eagerness to improve the port facilities in Chattogram.
He said that the construction of several terminals around Chattogram Port would ease container congestion.
“I hope within six months you will notice the change,” he said.
Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman emphasised the modernisation of Chattogram Port, stating that it handles 92 per cent of Bangladesh’s foreign trade, and 98 per cent of this trade is managed by the New Mooring Container Terminal.
There is currently no alternative to it, he said, adding that due to natural constraints, ships longer than 200 metres cannot anchor at Chattogram Port. Because of this, Bangladesh suffers a loss of around 1 million (dollars or taka) per day, he said, quoting a World Bank study.