The government has recommended that the Bangladesh Navy operate the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port for the next six months, said Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting on Chattogram Port management at the Ministry of Shipping, Dr. Sakhawat said the decision was discussed and approved at an Advisory Council meeting held the day before. A press release from the ministry confirmed the announcement.
The adviser stated that the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), which holds jurisdiction over the port, will eventually appoint an official operator for the NCT terminal. However, in the interim, the government sees it fit to assign the operational responsibility to the Bangladesh Navy.
He clarified that no existing jobs at the terminal will be affected by the transition. “If necessary, the Navy may also seek support from those who have previously operated the terminal,” he added.
Dr. Sakhawat assured the public that the government has not signed any agreement with foreign companies regarding the port’s operation. “The responsibility of operating Chattogram Port will not be handed over to any foreign entity at the expense of national interests,” he emphasized.
The adviser also dismissed speculation of any anti-national deals and said the government is taking necessary steps to enhance port efficiency and national development.
Citing examples from Europe and other developed regions, he noted that ports around the world are increasingly managed by global operators like DP World and AD Ports. He added that preliminary discussions are ongoing with DP World regarding a potential future partnership to operate the NCT terminal.
However, he stressed that under any future arrangement, full ownership and authority over the port will remain with the CPA.
“If an internationally experienced operator is brought in, the port’s efficiency and capacity will rise significantly. Ship turnaround times will decrease, larger vessels will be able to dock, and new shipping routes will be established, reducing freight costs,” he said.
Dr. Sakhawat projected that container handling could increase from 4,000–5,000 TEUs per day to over 6,000, resulting in a 15–20% annual rise in throughput.
He also confirmed that existing agreements with Saif Powertech Ltd. regarding other port operations will remain unchanged.
Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority, was also present at the meeting.