Anu Muhammad questions CA Yunus’s role in Ctg Port’s container terminal lease push

Economist Professor Anu Muhammad has criticised the process of leasing the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port to a foreign company, questioning the role of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in promoting the deal initiated by ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Speaking at an open discussion organised by the civic platform Gonotantrik Odhikar Committee (Democratic Rights Committee) today (21 June), he said the idea of leasing the terminal was not new and had earlier been considered by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Anu Muhammad questioned the motivation of Muhammad Yunus in supporting the move.

"In Muhammad Yunus's words, DP World is the best in the world. This was also in Sheikh Hasina's mind. Sheikh Hasina might have political and state interests, but what is Muhammad Yunus's interest?" he said.

DP World, a state-owned port operating company based in the UAE, has been proposed as the foreign operator for the NCT under a government-to-government arrangement.

This initiative was originally undertaken by the previous Awami League administration in March 2023 but had since been paused.

The interim government has now revived the plan, which has sparked criticism from several political parties, labour organisations, and civil society groups.

Commenting on the rationale behind selecting DP World, Anu Muhammad said, "If DP World is the best port operator in the world, where did they receive their training to become the best? They say our youths will learn from them and be able to work abroad—this is laughable. As a nation, why are we not developing this capability ourselves?"

He also expressed concern over several major policy decisions taken by the current interim government.

"This government is proceeding with LNG imports, signing agreements with Starlink, and now planning to hand over the operation of Chattogram Port to a foreign company. From all sides, we see the government moving in the wrong direction," he said.

Anu Muhammad demanded that all agreements with international bodies be made public.

"Agreements made with the World Bank, ADB, or IMF must be brought before the people. We cannot accept any decision just because someone said it—this is not divine scripture," he said.

He also criticised the approach of the Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, alleging an unwillingness to accept public scrutiny.

"His attitude suggests that those who ask questions must be knocked back. This notion, that no one should question Muhammad Yunus, is unacceptable," he said.

Reflecting on political narratives, Anu Muhammad said, "Once it was said that Sheikh Hasina never makes decisions that go against the country's interest. Now, around Muhammad Yunus, similar claims are being made by his close associates. This is concerning."

He announced that on 27 and 28 June, a national platform involving various left-leaning political parties will be launched in protest against the lease plan and the role of foreign companies in the country's key infrastructure.

A long march from Dhaka to Chattogram will be organised as part of the protest. He called upon the public to support the initiative.

Professor Anu Muhammad is scheduled to chair the meeting. Other speakers at the discussion included Kallol Mostofa, writer and researcher Maha Mirza, and Sheikh Nurullah Bahar, former general secretary of the Chattogram Port CBA.