Decision of NCT lease by prioritizing the interest of the country: Minister of Shipping

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Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said that the government will prioritize the interests of the country and the people in the matter of leasing New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chittagong Port.

The minister said this to reporters at Newmooring terminal of Chittagong port on Sunday afternoon. After taking charge, he visited Chittagong for the first time and visited the main seaport of the country.

The shipping minister said DP World has a proposal to manage the NCT. This proposition has positive potential. However, there are also some challenges, which require careful review.

Sheikh Rabiul Alam said, “The workers are already protesting, they have their demands. We are taking the matter into consideration. At the same time we have to ensure our larger national interest. It is expected that the workers will show flexibility from a place of patriotism when the matter of greater economic gain is clear.

It should be noted that the Awami League government started the process of managing Newmooring Container Terminal (NCT) in the hands of foreign companies for a long period. The previous interim government almost fixed this process. Negotiations began with DPWorld, a port management company in the United Arab Emirates. Ahead of the national elections, port workers protested against the process. The leasing process was suspended in the face of labor agitation.

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The shipping minister said that the port has plans to start some new projects on public-private partnership (PPP) basis. Besides, some international organizations have shown interest in the landlord model. They want to provide investment and technical support. This will enable container terminals to operate more efficiently.

Commenting that there is an opportunity to increase the capacity of Chittagong Port, the shipping minister said, ‘The way Chittagong Port has progressed is positive. But there is scope to do more. We want to work together to exploit these possibilities.

State Minister of Shipping during the press briefing. Rajib Ahsan, Member of Parliament Shahadat Hossain Salim, Shipping Secretary Zakaria, Chairman of Chittagong Port Authority Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman and senior officials of related sectors were present.