B Mirror Report: Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has dismissed criticism of the agreement to operate Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), describing claims that the deal amounts to “selling the country” as cheap and baseless.

He said the agreement was signed for a specific period to improve the port’s capacity and operational efficiency.

The minister made the remarks on Friday, October 9, while responding to journalists after a discussion meeting and donation distribution programme organised by Sylhet City Corporation on the occasion of Durga Puja.

Explaining the terms of the agreement, Muktadir said the contract for operating the NCT was time-bound. Upon its expiry, Bangladesh would have the option to renew the agreement or terminate it, he added.

Dubai-based global terminal operator DP World was awarded responsibility for operating the NCT, the largest terminal at Chattogram Port, under a 15-year concession agreement signed on Thursday, October 8. The deal has drawn criticism from various quarters.

Defending the agreement, the commerce minister said Bangladesh must make its production and export costs competitive with those of other countries to attract both domestic and foreign investment.

He stressed that attracting investment would be difficult unless Bangladesh could compete effectively in the global market.

The government is working to improve the efficiency of Chattogram Port as part of broader efforts to enhance the country’s overall competitiveness, he said.

Responding to concerns over job security for port workers, Muktadir said the government had ensured that no existing port employee would lose their job under the agreement.

He also expressed hope that improved efficiency and workers’ skills would lead to better benefits and higher remuneration for employees.