Basad protests draft deal to hand over NCT to foreign operator

The Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Basad) has strongly protested the government’s approval of a draft concession agreement to hand over the operation of Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign operator for 15 years.

‎In a statement issued on Friday, Basad General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz alleged that the government is moving ahead with the deal without making its terms and conditions public.

‎He claimed that although the government had not officially disclosed the name of the proposed foreign operator, it was believed to be UAE-based DP World.

‎Firoz said the NCT was developed with around Tk4,500 crore in domestic funds, including the installation of modern equipment, and handles around 44% of the containers at Chattogram Port.

‎He questioned why the operation of a profitable and self-sustaining terminal should be handed over to a foreign company.

‎The Basad leader also expressed concern that appointing a foreign operator could result in a significant portion of the port’s revenue being transferred abroad.

‎He alleged that the government is taking decisions in favour of foreign capital despite the aspirations of the mass uprising.

‎According to the statement, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has been appointed as the transaction adviser for the project. It is assisting with project assessment, structuring the concession agreement, preparing documents and negotiations with the selected operator.

‎Firoz questioned why the government should follow the advice of the IFC, a World Bank Group institution, while allegedly disregarding the views of port users and local experts.

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‎He also recalled that the interim government had earlier taken initiatives to lease the Laldia Container Terminal and Pangaon Terminal to foreign operators, which faced criticism and protests from various quarters.

‎The Basad leader demanded that the government strengthen state capacity and keep strategically important facilities such as the NCT under state management.

‎He also called for immediate cancellation of the draft agreement approved by the Cabinet committee and urged port workers and people from all sections of society to build a united movement against the decision.