B Mirror Report: The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) has stated that national interest will be given the highest priority in any agreement regarding the operation of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat on Tuesday (February 24), BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury said the agreement would be finalized only if national interest is fully safeguarded. He made it clear that, like the previous government, the current administration will remain uncompromising when it comes to protecting national interest.

In response to a question about the New Mooring Container Terminal, Ashik Chowdhury said the Prime Minister has instructed that any decision should be taken in a way that best serves the country’s national interest.

When asked about the interim government’s stance on the agreement, he said the issue was not about being for or against the deal. “The interim government had stated that the agreement would be signed only if national interest could be ensured. I believe the current government will take a similar position,” he added.

The BIDA Executive Chairman also said it was the first meeting on the matter and it would not be appropriate to reach any quick conclusions.

Replying to another question about the Prime Minister’s instructions, he said, “Today, we briefed the Prime Minister. He listened to us and provided some initial guidance.”