Yunus Government Backs Down After Protests; Chattogram Port Will Not Go to DP World

❐ Staff Correspondent

The government has backed away from its decision to hand over the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chittagong Port to foreign company DP World amid protests and controversies. Authorities concerned have said that a deal with the company is not being signed for the time being due to lack of agreement on terms and conditions.

Ashiq Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Authority, made this announcement at a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Sunday afternoon, February 8.

Labor organizations and various political and social organizations have been protesting for a long time against the transfer of Chittagong Port to a foreign company. Those concerned believe that the government has decided to withdraw from the agreement with DP World for the time being under pressure from the movement.

Ashiq Chowdhury said the current government does not have the time and process required to reach a final agreement with DP World.

He said, both parties have reviewed the terms and conditions for operating the New Mooring Container Terminal in Chittagong. However, DP World has asked for some more time before finalizing the agreement. The government has received their proposal in this regard.

Responding to a question about whether an agreement will be reached during the current government’s term, Ashiq Chowdhury said, “The government has only two days left. It is difficult to complete all the formalities and present the matter at the advisory council meeting within this period.”

Asked why the government has moved forward with the talks despite allegations of corruption and irregularities against DP World, he said, “This is not a hasty decision. Despite the allegations, the company has a successful and good reputation at the international level.”

The PPP executive chairman opined that the next government can continue the negotiation process if it wants. He said that the agreement will be effective only if there is an agreement between the terminal authority and DP World. The government is only playing the role of a facilitator here.