Deal on NCT only if national interest protected: PM tells officials
He gave the directive while presiding over a meeting at the Secretariat today.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed officials to ensure that all decisions regarding any agreement on the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port be taken in a manner that protects national interests.
He gave the directive while presiding over a meeting at the Secretariat today (24 February), Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun told reporters after the meeting.
Responding to a question on the current government's stance to this end, given that the interim government had been in favour of the agreement on NCT's lease to foreign operator, Ashik Chowdhury said the previous administration's position is no longer relevant.
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"If it is possible to sign the agreement while protecting national interest, only then will the government proceed," he said.
Describing the discussion as preliminary, the Bida chief said it was the first day's meeting and it would not be appropriate to reach a quick conclusion.
Asked about the prime minister's specific instructions, Ashik said, "Today we briefed him; he did not brief us. He listened and gave some preliminary directives."
His remarks come following protests and debate over leasing out the New Mooring Container Terminal at the Chattogram Port.
