The High Court has delivered a split verdict on the process of the Chittagong Port Authority’s agreement with a foreign company to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT).
Justice Fatema Najib, the senior judge of the HC bench, on Thursday declared the contract process illegal. On the other hand, the junior judge of the bench, Justice Fatema Anwar, ruled it legal.
According to procedure, the chief justice will form another High Court bench to resolve the matter.
Earlier this year, Mirza Walid Hossain, president of Bangladesh Young Economists Forum, filed a writ petition challenging legality of handing over the NCT to UAE‑based DP World. Following the initial hearing, the High Court issued a rule on 30 July.
In continuation, the petitioner filed an application seeking a status quo on the agreement process between the Chittagong Port Authority and DP World for operating the NCT.
