Chattogram: Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun emphasized that the interim government will prioritize the country’s interest and the welfare of the local workforce while engaging foreign operators for managing existing and proposed container terminals. He made these remarks at a press conference after a daylong visit to the sites of current and future container terminals and port facilities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud stated that the country’s interest will be the top priority in involving global port operators who have a proven track record in the sector, ensuring that the entire process will be conducted transparently. The press conference was held at the local circuit house conference room, where Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Shafiqul Alam, Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman, Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanom, and Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder also spoke.
Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud highlighted that the interim government is focusing on the development of the port and shipping sectors, particularly on enhancing the efficiency and capacity of ports. This is seen as a crucial step towards achieving the vision of transforming the country into a global manufacturing hub. He further elaborated that while Dhaka serves as the administrative capital, Chattogram is deemed the center of economic development due to its strategic location and potential.
In addition to prioritizing improvements in port capacity and efficiency, the government plans to ensure the availability of gas, power supply, and necessary infrastructure. In response to a query, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud mentioned the importance of improving the skills of the local workforce to meet the demands of global port operators while protecting their rights and welfare.
Addressing another question, he noted that steps will be taken to gradually remove and reduce existing irregularities and malpractice by port-centric nexuses.