Govt to Bring in Foreign Firms to Run Ctg Port: Shafiqul

The government is exploring the appointment of top global port operators to manage Chattogram Port as well as other key sea and land ports, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said today. He expressed optimism that the recruitment process could be completed by September.

Speaking at a press conference at the Chattogram Circuit House, Shafiqul addressed concerns over bypassing local firms, noting that current operators, including Saif Powertec, lack the capacity to meet rising global trade demands — a major factor behind chronic container congestion at the port.

“Chattogram Port’s performance is critical to Bangladesh’s economic future,” he said, adding that enhancing the capacity of Chattogram, Patenga, Bay Terminal, and Matarbari ports is essential. Discussions are underway with foreign firms experienced in managing 50 to 100 ports worldwide.

Shafiqul outlined a government target to raise the region’s container handling capacity from 1.27 million TEUs to 7.86 million TEUs by 2030. The expansion plan includes infrastructure upgrades like the Dhaka-Chattogram highway.

Only world-class companies with clean track records will be considered, he assured, and the selection will be transparent—either through open tenders or government-to-government (G2G) agreements.

On a separate issue, Shafiqul responded to questions about a potential "humanitarian corridor" with Myanmar, saying Bangladesh would only consider it if initiated by the UN. "It’s premature," he said, emphasizing that any such move would require trilateral talks due to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.