Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain has said that foreign management is necessary to bring Chittagong Port up to international standards.

“Many people will talk about the port, but improvement requires technology, investment, and skilled management. There is potential for $4–5 billion in investment around the port. Most major ports in developed countries are run by private operators, and we aim to follow a similar approach,” he told reporters after inaugurating the Laldia Char Container Yard in Patenga, Chattogram.

Dr. Sakhawat Hossain assured that no one would be allowed to operate the port in a way that harms the country’s interests.

He said the container storage capacity at Chittagong Port will increase from 56,000 TEUs to 66,000, with the new Laldia Char Terminal adding the capacity to store 10,000 containers, creating significant business opportunities.

“The institutions needed to make the port more dynamic will receive priority. The country’s interests will always come first. Our goal is to ensure that businessmen get opportunities while protecting national interests,” he added.

Highlighting the need to expand Chittagong Port to cope with growing import-export trade, the adviser said the government is working toward that goal. He mentioned that abandoned areas within the port will be utilized to boost efficiency.

Significant reforms made in labour laws: Adviser Sakhawat

The Chittagong Port Authority is constructing a container terminal on 32 acres of land, with 14 acres dedicated to a container yard capable of handling 10,000 containers and 1,500 trucks.

Additional areas include an 8-acre backup heavy-lift cargo jetty and a 10-acre APM terminal.

Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping Dr. Nurunnahar Chowdhury, Chittagong Port Chairman Rear Admiral M Moniruzzaman, and senior officials were present at the event.