B Mirror Desk : Ashiq Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA), stated that our primary objectives are to foster investment and create employment opportunities. AP Muller, which operates ports in 60 countries, could generate thousands of jobs if they establish terminals in Bangladesh.

He visited the Patenga Laldia terminal area at 9 am on Thursday, May 8. Chowdhury emphasized the potential to make history, noting the government’s ambition to transform Bangladesh into a manufacturing hub. The Laldia terminal is set to become a green port with an investment of $800 million, and we are diligently pursuing this initiative. Present at the visit were Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Mohammad Shafiqul Alam, Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, and Chittagong Port Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman.

In response to inquiries, he mentioned the necessity for a long-term strategy, as the current port capacity is limited. Even with a sixfold increase, it would still fall short compared to Vietnam. Thus, expert organizations have been tasked with optimizing operations in confined spaces.

Following this, he inspected the Bay Terminal project area and the operational activities at Chittagong Port. Later in the afternoon, he is scheduled to engage in discussions with business and civil society representatives at Radisson Blu Chittagong Bay View. Additionally, Ashiq Chowdhury and Press Secretary Mohammad Shafiqul Alam will conduct a press briefing at Chittagong Circuit House later in the day.