Dhaka: Minister for Shipping Shaikh Rabiul Alam addressed the Jatiya Sangsad, confirming that the government has no intention of transferring control of Chattogram Port to any foreign operators. This statement was made in response to a starred tabled question from Md Shahadat Hossain, a treasury bench member from Laxmipur-1.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Minister emphasized that while there is no plan to hand over the port, operators might be appointed for specific terminal management under approved frameworks like Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements. Both local and international operators are considered eligible for such roles. This approach aligns with the ongoing modernization and the increasing volume of the country’s import-export trade, where different terminals are managed by both domestic and foreign operators to boost capacity.
The Minister highlighted that the Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) is already managed by a foreign operator. Furthermore, a PPP deal has been established with APM Terminals BV, a Maersk Group subsidiary, for constructing and operating the Laldia Container Terminal on the Karnaphuli River’s right bank.
Shaikh Rabiul Alam reiterated that Chattogram Port operates autonomously under the Chattogram Port Authority Act, 2022, overseen by a chairman and a board of officials. The authority adheres to government policies and directives, ensuring strategic and effective port management.