Stakeholders should have been consulted before port lease decision: Zonayed Saki

Ganasamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki said the decision to lease out the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port to a foreign company should have been taken in consultation with stakeholders and the public.

"Chattogram Port is the heart of the country's economy. It also holds strategic and security significance. There is a question of sovereignty. Before taking such a decision, discussions should have been held with the public and stakeholders," he said.

He made the remarks during a views exchange meeting with journalists at the Chattogram Press Club this afternoon (27 June).

Saki said there has long been opposition to the idea of leasing the port to foreign entities.

"We were once part of that movement. Foreign assistance may be taken for economic, technological or infrastructural development, but the process must be transparent. What the government has proposed and what the foreign company has agreed to—these remain unknown to the public. But people have a right to know."

He also spoke about Chattogram's unique context in national development.

"Development in Chattogram must preserve its natural environment and way of life. Across the country, there has been a tendency to develop at the cost of nature. Urban planning must be free from neo-colonial dominance and must be inclusive. This is a new approach."

Criticising a recent statement by the chief adviser's press secretary regarding mob justice, Saki said, "The press secretary said yesterday that mob justice is an expression of long-standing resentment. This is unacceptable. If someone is accused of a crime, they must be brought under the law. There is no justification for setting one group of people against another. Garlanding the former chief election commissioner with shoes—this is inhuman."

On the issue of reforms, Saki noted that many initiatives have stalled.

"Reforms are not taking place properly. The work of many reform commissions, including the Police Reform Commission, has stopped.

"Regarding the Media Reform Commission, we have said that no individual or institution should be allowed to fully own a single media outlet or hold ownership of multiple outlets. Different institutions should hold shares in any media outlet. The media is the fourth pillar of the state. Its neutrality must be ensured."

Zahidul Karim Kachi, member secretary of the interim committee of the Chattogram Press Club, along with other journalists, also spoke at the event.