The Bangladesh government has signed a concession agreement with Dubai-based DP World to operate and maintain Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), despite strong opposition from port workers’ organisations and other stakeholders.
The agreement was signed Thursday afternoon, October 8, under a public-private partnership (PPP) framework. Invest Bangladesh Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and DP World Board Chairman Essa Kazim attended the signing ceremony.
Under the agreement, DP World will operate and maintain the NCT for 15 years, along with its Overflow Container Yard (OCY). The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the draft concession agreement on October 1, paving the way for the formal signing.
The move comes amid concerns over the time required for imports and exports through Chattogram Port compared with ports in neighbouring countries. Longer turnaround times have been cited as having a negative impact on Bangladesh’s trade and economy.
The decision to bring an international operator into the NCT was taken with the aim of improving port efficiency and restoring momentum to cargo handling. The NCT is one of Chattogram Port’s key facilities and handles more than 40% of the port’s total container throughput.
The agreement has faced strong opposition from port workers and other groups, who have demanded discussions with the government before the terminal is handed over to a foreign operator. Protesters had also warned of measures to disrupt port operations if the deal went ahead.
The concession marks a major step in the government’s effort to increase private and international participation in Chattogram Port operations and improve the efficiency of Bangladesh’s trade and logistics infrastructure.
