Chittagong Port Protection Committee protests NCT concession deal

The Chittagong Port Protection Committee has called for the cancellation of a proposed 15-year concession agreement to operate and maintain the Newmuring Container Terminal (NCT) and its overflow container yard by an international operator. The committee also demands an end to initiatives to lease the Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT).

During a press conference on October 3, Committee Member Secretary Fazlul Kabir Mintu stated that the Economic Affairs Committee of the Cabinet recently gave policy approval to the draft agreement. The committee argues that because Chittagong Port is a vital national infrastructure linked to foreign trade, revenue, and industry, such a decision requires a transparent and public comparative evaluation. They seek to assess the potential revenue, capacity increases, and technological advancements of state management versus a concession model.

The committee emphasized that while they do not oppose foreign investment or modern technology, they must ensure national security, state interests, employment, and workers' rights are protected. They also cited the need to review the experience of the 22-year contract signed in December 2023 with the Saudi-based Red Sea Gateway Terminal for the Patenga Container Terminal. To protest these decisions, the committee has announced a day-long sit-in program at the main gate of Chittagong Port on October 5.