Govt working to turn BD into manufacturing hub, cashing Ctg’s potential

The interim government is actively working to turn Bangladesh into a regional manufacturing hub by capitalising on the huge potential of greater Chattogram and enhancing the capacity building of the Chattogram port is a top priority to implement the visionary plan.

Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Shafiqul Alam made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing on his maiden Chattogram visit after assuming power by the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus.

Regarding the much-talked-about humanitarian corridor to Rakhine State of Myanmar through the south-eastern border of Cox’s Bazar, he said, “The government has categorically made clear its stance over the issue earlier.

First of all, such a corridor must be initiated under the UN involvement and then Bangladesh will give consent to such a facility after having received a nod from the two countries involved in it. And before finalising the decision, the government must talk with all domestic stakeholders”.

The press briefing, held at the Ctg circuit house conference room this afternoon, was also attended by Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanom, Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Chattogram Press Club Member Secretary Zahidul Karim Kachi, Chattogram Metropolitan Union of Journalists President Mohammed Shah Nowaz and General Secretary Saleh Noman.

Shafiqul Alam said that a plan is underway to increase the existing container handling capacity of Ctg port to six times by 2030 and otherwise, the country will not be able to attract foreign investors.

“Turning Bangladesh into a regional manufacturing hub is one of the core agendas of the interim government led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus, aiming to take our economy to new heights and create job opportunities for the huge young workforce,” the press secretary said.

He said there will be no alternative to simplifying the export process as well as speeding up overall port efficiency for encouraging foreign investors, which will help create scope for investments worth billions of dollars.

“We’ve a plan to engage globally leading port operating companies in our port sector, which have proven track record in managing and operating ports efficiently and discussion is underway to this end,” he said, setting a target to accomplish the task by next September.

He said there is a target to increase the existing 12.70 lakhs TEUs container handling capacity of the terminals in operation and under construction terminals, including those at Laldia, Bay Terminal, Patenga and Matarbari, to 78.60 lakhs TEUs by 2030.

Criticising the ousted AL government, Shafiqul Alam said, “AL has no right to talk over the Rohingya issue as they were afraid of uttering the word Rohingya and were used to saying the Rohingya Bangalee terming the community as FDMN (Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals)”.

Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said the government is trying to start the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar with vigorous efforts through convincing all stakeholders in Myanmar and other states.