Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Friday that the interim government plans to finalise agreements with foreign operators for all maritime ports in the Chattogram region by September this year to boost port efficiency and support Bangladesh’s transformation into a global manufacturing hub.

“Professor Muhammad Yunus envisions Bangladesh as a manufacturing hub generating massive employment for young people. For that to happen, an efficient Chattogram Port system is the top priority,” he told reporters at a press briefing at the Chattogram Circuit House.

Alam said the government is negotiating with leading international firms managing 70 to 80 ports globally and is working to sign deals “as early as possible”.

Highlighting the region’s potential, he added, “The goal is to serve not just 180 million Bangladeshis, but a regional market of 300 to 400 million people, with Chattogram as the anchor. Exporters will come to manufacture here at lower costs—not just for the local market but for global exports.”

He said that current capacity across all ports in the region, including Matarbari, stands at 1.27 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), with plans to increase this sixfold to 7.86 million TEUs by 2030.

Alam defended the involvement of foreign operators, citing examples from Europe where governments have outsourced port operations to maximise efficiency, not due to incapability but to secure better outcomes.

Regarding the proposed corridor through Myanmar’s Rakhine state, Alam said the issue remains in an early stage.

“Any decision will be made in consultation with all stakeholders and under United Nations facilitation,” he said, stressing that Bangladesh would only consider the initiative if it is UN-led.

‘Govt not taking away journalists’ jobs’

Earlier in the day, addressing a discussion at the Chattogram Press Club, Alam dismissed claims that the interim government was responsible for the recent dismissal of three journalists.

“We are not taking anyone’s job, nor are we giving them jobs,” he said. “Those protesting should address their grievances to the media houses. The interim government will not infringe upon freedom of speech.”

The event, titled “Post-July Revolution Bangladesh: Challenges of Mass Media", was organised by the Chattogram Press Club and the Chattogram Metropolitan Union of Journalists.

Alam claimed this was a better time for journalists committed to real reporting.

“We are not shutting down any media, silencing voices, or sealing printing presses. We encourage free journalism,” he said.

He blamed misinformation as the biggest challenge since the July uprising, alleging that both Indian media outlets and supporters of the ousted Awami League were spreading disinformation backed by millions of dollars.

“They flood social media with videos every day. Many viewers cannot even distinguish between true and false,” he said.

Alam urged the United Nations to conduct an independent review of Bangladesh’s journalism during the Awami League’s 15-year rule.