NCT Agreement Aims to Boost Port Efficiency, Not Sell the Country: Commerce Minister

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has dismissed allegations that the government's 15-year agreement with Dubai-based DP World to operate Chattogram Port's New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) amounts to selling the country, describing such claims as baseless. He said the agreement was designed to enhance the terminal's operational capacity, improve efficiency and strengthen Bangladesh's competitiveness in international trade.

The minister made the remarks on Friday (October 9) while speaking to journalists following a discussion and financial assistance distribution programme organised by Sylhet City Corporation ahead of Durga Puja.

Muktadir said the agreement was part of the government's broader efforts to modernise port operations, facilitate international trade and create a more favourable environment for domestic and foreign investment.

The 15-year concession agreement with DP World to operate the NCT, the largest container terminal at Chattogram Port, was formally signed on Thursday (October 8). The deal has since attracted criticism from various quarters.

Port Efficiency Essential for Investment and Trade Competitiveness

Highlighting the importance of efficient port operations, the commerce minister said Bangladesh must ensure that its production and export costs remain competitive with those of other countries to attract foreign investment and encourage further investment by domestic entrepreneurs.

He emphasised that improving port efficiency, streamlining cargo handling and reducing logistical costs would help strengthen the country's position in global trade.

Addressing concerns about the potential impact of the agreement on employment, Muktadir said the government had assured workers that no existing port employees would lose their jobs as a result of the arrangement.

He added that greater operational efficiency would benefit workers and create opportunities for increased earnings.

Bangladesh's Position in the Global Apparel Market

Responding to questions about Bangladesh's declining position in the US apparel market, Muktadir noted that China had consistently remained one of the leading garment exporters to both the United States and the European Union.

He acknowledged that Vietnam had overtaken Bangladesh in garment exports on several occasions, partly due to the advantages it enjoys through free trade agreements.

However, he pointed out that Bangladesh had previously managed to regain its competitive position, indicating that the country's apparel industry remained capable of responding to changing international market conditions.

Major Road Development Project Planned for Sylhet

During the programme, the commerce minister also outlined plans to improve road infrastructure across Sylhet City Corporation.

He said the city's 42 wards collectively have approximately 800 kilometres of roads, of which around 450 kilometres have already undergone development work.

The remaining 300 to 350 kilometres are expected to be covered under a major development project currently being prepared by the government.

Muktadir expressed confidence that the outstanding work could be completed within the next three to four years.

He said that although developing the existing road network had taken approximately 55 years, completing the remaining work would not require another century. The government was preparing a comprehensive project to accelerate infrastructure development across the city.

The minister also highlighted Bangladesh's shared language, cultural traditions and history of communal harmony, describing these characteristics as important sources of national strength.

Tk 3.4 Million Distributed Among 85 Durga Puja Mandaps

As part of the programme, the commerce minister distributed financial assistance to representatives of 85 Durga Puja mandaps across Sylhet city.

Each mandap received Tk 40,000, bringing the total financial allocation to Tk 3.4 million.

Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury, who chaired the programme, said the corporation remained committed to public welfare and the delivery of essential services to city residents.

He emphasised that ensuring people from all religious communities could celebrate their respective festivals peacefully and without disruption was an important responsibility of the city administration.

Chowdhury also said the corporation had undertaken various measures to facilitate the smooth and peaceful observance of Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of Bangladesh's Hindu community.

Sylhet City Corporation Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Rezai Rafin Sarkar delivered the welcome address.

Other speakers included Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sarwar Murshed Shamim, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, Sylhet Metropolitan BNP General Secretary Imdad Hossain Chowdhury, Jalalabad Gas Transmission and Distribution System Ltd Director Badruzzaman Selim, Ramakrishna Mission and Ashram head Swami Chandranathananda Maharaj, Hindu Religious Welfare Trust trustee Sudip Ranjan Sen Bappu, and Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad Central Vice-President Mrityunjoy Dhar Bhola.

The programme highlighted the importance of communal harmony, inclusive civic services and institutional cooperation in ensuring peaceful religious celebrations.