Ctg Jamaat leader voices concern over ‘opaque deal’ to hand New Mooring Terminal to foreign firm
He, however, alleged that the interim government was moving to hand over the terminal without any tender process, to a foreign company “linked to relatives of a fallen autocrat,” calling it part of an ongoing conspiracy.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and Chattogram zonal head Md Shahjahan has expressed deep concern over what he described as an "opaque and secretive initiative" to hand over the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram port to a foreign company.
In a statement sent to the media today (19 November), Shahjahan, also a former ameer of Chattogram city Jamaat, said the move amounted to a step against national interests.
"Chattogram port is the lifeline of the country's economy. It is also connected to issues of national security and sovereignty. Therefore, there is no scope for rushed, opaque or secret decisions regarding the port," he said.
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He, however, alleged that the interim government was moving to hand over the terminal without any tender process, to a foreign company "linked to relatives of a fallen autocrat," calling it part of an ongoing conspiracy.
Shahjahan further claimed that the government's recent decisions regarding several other terminal operations have generated "public anger and widespread dissatisfaction."
He placed three proposals for the government: port development should be carried out under domestic management, if necessary, skilled foreign personnel may be hired to train local manpower and support procurement of essential equipment, only if these measures are insufficient should a foreign operator be considered—but through an open international tender process and full public disclosure.
He cautioned that any "secret or tenderless illegal agreement" would trigger public resentment, for which the government would bear full responsibility.
