Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today urged the countrymen to continue their strong support for the interim government’s port management initiative. “I urge the countrymen not to allow themselves to be the victims of baseless opposition and propaganda. Continue your strong support for the interim government’s port management move. Resist those who oppose it,” he said while delivering his telecasted address before the nation on the occasion of the Holy Eid-ul-Azha.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Yunus emphasized that since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, the nation has not reached the anticipated level of economic progress. He expressed his vision of establishing Bangladesh as the economic center of South Asia and mentioned initiatives to increase the port’s capacity and enhance investment services.
The Chief Adviser highlighted the critical importance of Chittagong Port to Bangladesh’s economy, calling it “the heart of Bangladesh’s economy.” He warned that leaving the port in its current weakened state would hinder economic progress. To address this, he stated that the interim government is in contact with world-renowned port management operators to learn from their expertise.
Professor Yunus assured that by learning port management skills from global experts, Bangladeshis will be capable of managing ports worldwide by 2036. He envisioned that Bangladeshis will be present in ports globally, creating employment opportunities for the country’s population.
He also mentioned that modernizing Bangladeshi ports would positively impact the economies of neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan. The Chief Adviser projected that the entire coastal region from Kumira to Teknaf would become a significant economic hub in South Asia, fostering industrial development and advancing sectors such as fish farming, harvesting, and processing.
Professor Yunus concluded by asserting that the involvement of international port operators in management would not threaten national sovereignty or security.