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The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) and Dubai-based port operator DP World will sign a 15-year concession agreement on Thursday to operate and maintain the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port.
The agreement, including the terminal’s Overflow Container Yard (OCY), will be signed at a ceremony in Dhaka at 3pm under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, according to officials.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the draft concession agreement on October 1, paving the way for the formal signing. DP World will operate the NCT under the concession arrangement.
The proposed handover has triggered protests from port workers and several organisations, who have opposed placing a key national asset under foreign management.
Protesters have demanded that the government scrap the agreement and hold discussions with workers and other stakeholders.
The Chattogram Port Protection Committee and other groups have described the proposed deal as a “black agreement”, arguing that it could undermine national interests, affect employment and reduce government revenue.
NCT is one of the most important facilities at Chattogram Port, handling more than 40% of the port’s total container throughput.
It is currently operated by Chittagong Dry Dock Ltd, a Bangladesh Navy-controlled company.
The government says engaging an international operator is aimed at improving port efficiency and capacity, attracting investment and modernising terminal operations.