Leaders of the agitating Port Protection Committee have raised the question of why there is so much haste by the government regarding the agreement process for leasing the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), a major facility of Chittagong Port. In accordance with the committee's ongoing movement, a call has been made to successfully observe the pre-announced all-day sit-in program at the Chittagong Port main gate on Monday, October 5. The leaders of the Port Protection Committee made this call at a press conference held at the Chittagong Press Club on Saturday, October 3.
The committee demanded the cancellation of the proposed 15-year concession draft agreement process with the foreign operator DP World for the operation and maintenance of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and the Overflow Container Yard, as well as the halt of the initiative to lease the Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT).
In a written statement read out at the press conference, the committee's member secretary, Fazlul Kabir Mintu, said that at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs held on October 1, in-principle approval was given to the draft of a 15-year concession agreement with a foreign company for the operation and maintenance of the NCT and the overflow yard.
Mentioning the information that the proposal regarding this nationally important and strategic infrastructure was presented under a 'Miscellaneous' agenda, he questioned why such an important matter was not presented and discussed in detail on the main agenda. He said that Chittagong Port is a nationally important infrastructure directly connected to the country's foreign trade, import-export, revenue, industry, and commerce.
NCT is one of the main container terminals of the port. The matter of giving it on a concession or lease for 15 years cannot be considered a simple administrative or commercial decision. Before making such a decision, it is necessary to make a complete and transparent comparative evaluation public regarding the potential income of running NCT under state management, capacity enhancement, use of modern technology and automation, skill development, and the potential financial benefits to the state if it is given on concession.
He further said that at a time of crucial challenges like economic restructuring, employment growth, industrial development, and increasing investment and productivity within just a few months of the current government taking office, it needs to be clarified to the public why there is such a need for haste in giving strategic infrastructure like NCT and CCT on long-term concession.
Decisions should not be taken without making a full evaluation public regarding what kind of benefits and risks such agreements might create for the country's economy, revenue, employment, and national strategic interests. He also said that the Port Protection Committee has long been peacefully and democratically raising its concerns and demands. In this regard, an interest to meet the Prime Minister for discussions and a proposal for a national dialogue if necessary have also been given. However, no effective response has been received from the government yet.
The Port Protection Committee stated that their movement is not against the government. The objectives of their movement are to raise public concern on nationally important issues, protect state assets and national interests, and ensure transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.
It was stated at the press conference that the Port Protection Committee will observe an all-day sit-in program at the main gate of Chittagong Port on Monday, October 5. If the government does not issue a clear declaration canceling the initiatives to lease NCT and CCT within this time, the sit-in program will continue.
