Yunus orders swift action to boost Ctg port capacity

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has instructed officials to fast-track negotiations with foreign investors to enhance Chattogram Port’s capacity and deliver world-class services. 

The directive came during a high-level meeting on Wednesday, April 30, at the State Guest House Jamuna, attended by representatives from the Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA), Chattogram Port Authority, and other key departments.

“Our ports must compete globally,” Yunus emphasised. “To realise our vision of an investment hub, we need world-class port infrastructure.”

BIDA and BEZA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun reported that Bangladesh’s seaports currently handle 1.37 million units annually, with potential to reach 7.86 million units in five years through strategic planning. 

Chittagong’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) manages 1.27 million units, expandable to 1.5 million, while Mongla Port’s capacity could rise from 0.1 million to 0.63 million units. 

The completion of Patenga Container Terminal, Laldia Container Terminal, Bay Terminal, and Matarbari Deep Sea Port is expected to boost capacity beyond five million units.

Yunus urged coordinated efforts to finalize foreign investment for Laldia Port and complete all projects by August. 

Attendees included Shipping Ministry Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy Lutfe Siddiqui, Senior Secretary Mohammad Yusuf, Chief Adviser’s Office Secretary Md Mahmudul Hossain Khan, PPPA CEO Muhammad Rafiqul Islam, and Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman.