Chattogram: Three complaints have been filed with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), seeking an investigation into alleged irregularities and corruption in leasing key terminals of the Chattogram Port to foreign companies under concession agreements. Md Al Amin Hossain, spokesperson of civil society organisation Deshpremik Nagorik Samaj, and its co-spokesperson Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil Chowdhury submitted the complaints.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the complaints allege that several profitable terminals of the port were leased or planned to be leased to foreign companies through opaque processes involving non-disclosure agreements. This has raised concerns over transparency, abuse of power, and possible commission-based dealings. The allegations specifically name Chattogram Port Chairman SM Moniruzzaman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, former chief adviser’s special envoy for international affairs Lutfe Siddiqi, and former shipping adviser Sakhawat Hossain. They are accused of making hurried attempts to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal to UAE-based DP World under a concession deal, with recent lobbying efforts reported to have resumed.
The complaint further states that on November 17, 2025, a 48-year concession agreement was signed with Denmark-based APM Terminals for Laldia Terminal. On the same day, a 22-year concession deal was signed with Switzerland-based Medlog SA for Pangaon Terminal in Keraniganj. The complainants assert that these agreements were finalized with unusual speed and were kept under non-disclosure agreements, raising questions about accountability and public disclosure.
They claimed that the absence of open international tenders and the handover of strategically important state assets to selected foreign firms have created strong suspicions of corruption and commission trading. If implemented, the New Mooring Terminal lease could involve transactions worth huge sums, potentially leading to large-scale commission payments, the complainants said.
Chattogram Port is considered the lifeline of the national economy, and any secret deal or irregularity is deemed unacceptable when national interest, economic security, and sovereignty are at stake, the complainants emphasized. They have urged the ACC to conduct an impartial and transparent investigation.
The complaints call for a probe into alleged abuse of power, bribery, and commission trading against the individuals concerned. They also request scrutiny of domestic and overseas bank accounts and financial transactions if needed, along with the imposition of travel bans during the investigation to prevent evidence tampering or attempts to flee.
Deshpremik Nagorik Samaj expressed hope that the Anti-Corruption Commission would take prompt and effective action to safeguard state assets.