Govt mulls handing over NCT operation to Navy

The interim government is considering handing over the operation of the much-talked-about New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port to the Bangladesh Navy in cooperation with the port authorities.

This issue was discussed at a meeting held at Bandar Bhaban on Saturday.

Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain along with other high officials of the government and the port attended the meeting.

Contacted, Adviser Sakhawat said over the phone that they discussed the issue in the meeting. “Wait for two days. You (media) will be informed publicly when the decision in this regard is made.”

Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Secretary Omar Faruk also said that they have yet to make any such decision.

Earlier, the shipping ministry decided in principle that the CPA would operate the modern terminal for six months as the contract with the incumbent private operator expires on 6 July.

The authorities also sent a letter to the ministry seeking approval for a monthly operating expense of Tk7 crore.

Notably, the fallen Awami League government had initiated a move to engage foreign operator for the modern and equipped terminal.

Debate erupted after a fresh move to engage foreign operator by the interim government surfaced over the last few months.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus along with the high-ups of the government talked about the implementation of the initiative, citing various benefits.

However, it drew criticism from different sectors, including political organisations and port-based labour organisations, as the NCT has been developed and equipped with government funds and has nothing to add in the form of investments.