Vested groups behind protests over Laldia terminal deal: Bida chief
Ashik noted that APM Terminals operates 10 of the world’s top 20 ports and manages more than 60 terminals across 33 countries
Amid growing demonstrations by several organisations following the appointment of foreign operator APM Terminals to run the planned Laldia Container Terminal in Chattogram Port, Bida Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun has alleged that "vested groups who earlier profited from extortion and corruption at the port" are now driving the agitation.
In a post from his verified Facebook account around 9pm today (16 November), Ashik said, "Another group used to collect extortion from the port. They engaged in corruption. They are upset. Now they have come forward to protect their interests under various pretexts."
He wrote that Denmark-based APM Terminals, a fully owned subsidiary of the AP Moller–Maersk Group, will design and construct the new container terminal at Laldia Char with its own financing. The world-class facility, to be completed within three years, will remain the property of Bangladesh.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Under the agreement, APM will manage the terminal for 30 years after construction is completed. The tenure may be extended if Bangladesh's commercial, social and environmental requirements are met.
Ashik noted that APM Terminals operates 10 of the world's top 20 ports and manages more than 60 terminals across 33 countries, including facilities in Europe, Vietnam, Singapore and China.
Why the contract won't be made public
Responding to demands for full disclosure of the PPP agreement, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) chief said the document cannot be made public due to legal and policy restrictions.
"No government can publish the original PPP contract because it contains sensitive business information and operational strategies protected by confidentiality clauses," he wrote, adding that full disclosure could weaken Bangladesh's position in future negotiations.
He said institutions such as the World Bank and ADB also recommend publishing only a summary of such agreements to maintain transparency while protecting commercial confidentiality.
Claims of transparent selection process
Regarding the operator selection process, Ashik said APM Terminals was chosen following tender invitations, pre-qualification checks, technical and financial evaluations, and due diligence under the G2G framework of PPP policy.
According to him, neutral technical advisers, lawyers and consultants were appointed to ensure transparency, while an inter-ministerial tender committee oversaw the entire process.
"Auditable records of every step have been maintained," he added.
