Integrated policy needed for Chattogram port: Farhad Mazhar | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Sunday
July 13, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2025
Integrated policy needed for Chattogram port: Farhad Mazhar

Bangladesh

TBS Report
27 September, 2024, 06:50 pm
Last modified: 27 September, 2024, 10:27 pm

Related News

  • Dismembering woman's body: Husband arrested in Ctg
  • Swechchhasebak League leader found dead in Ctg
  • Three-year-old child dies after falling into open drain in Chattogram
  • 3 restaurants, 2 pharmacies in Chattogram fined Tk76,000 for consumer rights violations
  • Navy chief visits Ctg port's NCT, emphasises efficiency and discipline

Integrated policy needed for Chattogram port: Farhad Mazhar

He stressed that the port’s development should align with national interests, given its pivotal role in geopolitics and national security

TBS Report
27 September, 2024, 06:50 pm
Last modified: 27 September, 2024, 10:27 pm
Photo: TBS
Photo: TBS

  Farhad Mazhar, poet, columnist and human rights activist, has stressed the need for an integrated policy focused on the country's ports, particularly Chattogram Port.

Speaking as the chief guest at a roundtable discussion, titled "Chattogram Port: Reality and Reforms", at the Chattogram Circuit House today (27 September), Farhad Mazhar said, "We need to formulate an integrated policy or a white paper focusing on the ports of Bangladesh, particularly Chattogram Port."

He stressed that the port's development should align with national interests, given its pivotal role in geopolitics and national security.

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

Highlighting the port's significance in the country's economy, he noted that 90% of Bangladesh's export-import activities are conducted through Chattogram Port. He said that Chattogram Port is not only a commercial hub but also a vital military and geopolitical asset.

In addressing Bangladesh's economic landscape, Farhad Mazhar argued that the country has yet to cultivate a true community of investors.

"What we currently have are exploiters. We need real investors who can elevate Bangladesh to the level of China in the next five years by investing in technology, training people, and advancing the information technology sector," he said.

He also discussed the deep-sea port at Matarbari, calling it a battleground for geopolitical interests. He stressed that the decision of whether India or China will operate the port is crucial and should not be made without thorough research and deliberation.

He further pointed out that Bangladesh has significant trade deficits with both China and India.

"With whom do we have better relations—China or India? Some may argue that China is the better option due to the potential for negotiation, technology transfer, and investment," he added.

Farhad Mazhar predicted that the Bay of Bengal would become a key arena in global power struggles and called for the people of Chattogram to remain vigilant and proactive.

He urged comprehensive studies to safeguard the future of Chattogram Port and advocated forming a committee of experts to ensure that real investors rather than opportunists play a role in the port's development.

Turning to international politics, Farhad Mazhar criticised Dr Yunus over his association with US President Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton. 

Referring to Biden as "Genocide Joe" for his role in conflicts involving women and children in Palestine, Mazhar expressed his disapproval of Yunus's international engagements.

He argued that Yunus should focus on Chattogram, his birthplace, and engage with the local people to understand their needs.

Mazhar concluded by linking these broader geopolitical issues to Chattogram Port, noting that the competition between China and the US over control of the deep-sea port is central to the region's future.

He also mentioned the ongoing Rohingya crisis and tensions with Myanmar as additional challenges for Bangladesh.

The event was organised by the Chattogram-based English daily The People's View.

Other speakers at the roundtable, moderated by The People's View Executive Editor Saleh Noman, included former member of the Chattogram Port Authority Zafar Alam, Chattogram Customs Deputy Commissioner Tarek Hasan, Vice President of the Freight Forwarders Association Khairul Alam Sujon, and Convener of the Bonchito Byabshayi Forum and former joint convener of the Chattogram Metropolitan BNP Saiful Alam.

Senior journalists Mia Mohammad Arif and Shamsuddin Illius were also present.

The speakers called for an investigation into the alleged corruption and exploitation of resources by the previous government regarding port operations.

They demanded the removal of current operators appointed by the previous regime and stressed the need for immediate reforms by the interim government to improve port services.

The roundtable was chaired by The People's View Deputy Editor Shamsad Sattar, who echoed the need for comprehensive reforms at Chattogram Port and greater transparency in the appointment of port operators.

Farhad Mazhar / Chattogram

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • A file photo of the NBR Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka
    NBR split certain, but ordinance flaws need fixing: Energy adviser
  • Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan speaking about tariff negotiations with United States on 13 July 2025. Photo: TBS
    US wants a framework agreement with Bangladesh that includes their security concerns: Fouzul
  • National Citizen Party leaders entering Election Commission headquarters for a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on 13 July 2025. Photo: TBS
    We will respond politically if EC denies Shapla symbol to NCP: Nasir Uddin Patwari

MOST VIEWED

  • RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman speaks at the press briefing on a fake bomb threat on Biman Bangladesh flight on Saturday, 12 July 2025. Photo: TBS
    Mother faked bomb threat on Biman flight to stop married son from flying with girlfriend: RAB
  • Bangladeshi garment workers make clothing in the sewing section of a factory in Gazipur, Bangladesh, April 9, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain/File Photo
    Some Walmart garment orders from Bangladesh on hold due to US tariff threat
  • Infographic: TBS
    Dollar price plummets by Tk2.9 in a week as demand wanes
  • Bangladesh and US hold tariff talks on 11 July 2025. Photo: CA Press Wing
    Dhaka, Washington yet to agree on 20% of US tariff conditions: BGMEA
  • Infograph: TBS
    Matarbari power plant eyes G2G coal deal with Indonesia after quality setbacks
  • Dr Mohammad Zakir Hossain, managing director of Delta Pharma Ltd and secretary general of the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI). Sketch: TBS
    Pharma industry grew with policy support, needs it again to survive: BAPI secretary general

Related News

  • Dismembering woman's body: Husband arrested in Ctg
  • Swechchhasebak League leader found dead in Ctg
  • Three-year-old child dies after falling into open drain in Chattogram
  • 3 restaurants, 2 pharmacies in Chattogram fined Tk76,000 for consumer rights violations
  • Navy chief visits Ctg port's NCT, emphasises efficiency and discipline

Features

The 2020 Harrier's Porsche Cayenne coupe-like rear roofline, integrated LED lighting with the Modellista special bodykit all around, and a swanky front grille scream OEM Plus for the sophisticated enthusiast looking for a bigger family car that isn’t boring. PHOTO: Ahbaar Mohammad

2020 Toyota Harrier Hybrid: The Japanese Macan

21h | Wheels
The showroom was launched through a lavish event held there, and in attendance were DHS Motors’ Managing Director Nafees Khundker, CEO Imran Zaman Khan, and GMs Arman Rashid and Farhan Samad. PHOTO: Akif Hamid

GAC inaugurate flagship showroom in Dhaka

22h | Wheels
After India's visa restriction, China's Kunming is drawing Bangladeshi patients

After India's visa restriction, China's Kunming is drawing Bangladeshi patients

1d | Panorama
Photo: Collected/BBC

What Hitler’s tariff policy misfire can teach the modern world

2d | The Big Picture

More Videos from TBS

Prisoner sentenced to prison for not showing news of president in Tunisia

Prisoner sentenced to prison for not showing news of president in Tunisia

1h | TBS World
The price of the dollar is falling; how much can it fall?

The price of the dollar is falling; how much can it fall?

2h | TBS Stories
110 killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza

110 killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza

3h | TBS World
Why is there a mystery surrounding the death of 'Jalibi' actress Humaira?

Why is there a mystery surrounding the death of 'Jalibi' actress Humaira?

14h | TBS World
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net