Amid growing public speculation over the involvement of international firms in Chittagong Port management, Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, has clarified that the port will not be handed over to any foreign entity.

He said, “We are not giving the port to anyone. We are looking for foreign investors who can enhance the port’s capacity, not take it over.” 

The press secretary made the remark during a talk hosted by the Capital Market Journalists Forum (CMJF) in Dhaka on Sunday (May 25). 

He said that some of the world’s largest companies have already shown interest and assured investments worth $3 billion.

Shafiqul Alam said the main condition for attracting foreign investors is ensuring that port operations are fast and efficient for both imports and exports. “In the current global trade competition, large countries are looking for new destinations. Bangladesh can be that destination if port capacity is improved.”

He also said that quick development of Chattogram Port would have a multiplier effect on Bangladesh’s economy.

Highlighting past efforts, he said, “During Sheikh Hasina’s time, 100 economic zones were established. But many of them remain unused, even becoming cattle grazing fields. The main reason investors are not coming is due to the port’s limited capacity. We cannot deliver finished products fast enough.”

He stressed that boosting port capacity is essential to benefit from global trade shifts and to attract serious investors to the country’s economic zones.

MSK/