The government is considering engaging leading global port operators to run the country's port facilities, aiming to maximise the use of its limited capacity, said Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida).

He, however, emphasised the need to safeguard jobs at the ports and labour rights during the process.

Ashik Chowdhury made the remarks yesterday afternoon during a press conference at Chattogram Circuit House, after a day-long visit to Chattogram port and proposed sites for ongoing port expansion projects.

During the visit, the Bida chairman expressed hope that Bangladesh could attract $3 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) for three port development projects, including Chattogram Port's Laldia Container Terminal and two proposed terminals under the Bay Terminal expansion project.

The investment would come in phases, covering port construction and equipment installation, he said.

Earlier in the day, the Bida chairman visited the proposed sites of the Laldia Container Terminal, the Bay Terminal, and the port's largest existing terminal, New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT).

Ashik Chowdhury also held a meeting with local business leaders, political figures, and academics at the Radisson Blu Bay View in Chattogram at noon. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam accompanied the Bida chairman during the visit.

Addressing concerns from various quarters about foreign investment in an existing terminal of Chattogram port, Ashik Chowdhury said, "Let's not focus solely on one asset or a specific location. We need to think about the broader national impact of activating a port."

Mentioning that these decisions must consider the national-level impact, he said, "Of course, we need to ensure that our jobs are protected and that labour rights are fully upheld."

Chowdhury elaborated on a broader vision of transforming Bangladesh into a global manufacturing hub, buoyed by its young population. "We must create employment opportunities and a business-friendly environment," he said.

The primary requirement for achieving this ambition, according to the Bida chairman, is to enhance port capacity and efficiency.

Mentioning the country's limited port capacity and citing Vietnam as an example, Chowdhury said that even if Bangladesh's capacity were to increase sixfold, it would still fall short of Vietnam's 44 seaports.

He projected that, upon completion of all ongoing port expansion projects, the country's container handling capacity could reach 7.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs)—nowhere near Vietnam's 47 million TEUs.

"The most important matter is to make optimal use of our limited capacity to remain globally competitive," said the Bida chairman.

"Since we have limited land, each port facility must run at the highest global standards of quality, management, and efficiency. Otherwise, we will not be able to realise our ambitions," he added.

To ensure the best management of port facilities, Chowdhury advocated involving top global port operators and attracting foreign investment not only for greenfield projects but also for modernising existing facilities.

"We need the best port operators worldwide to manage our facilities effectively, turning the Bangladesh story into a success," he said.

Chowdhury also said that Chattogram, as the nation's commercial hub, must be developed comprehensively to achieve the goal of becoming a manufacturing powerhouse.

Pointing to some major initiatives in Chattogram, he mentioned plans to build a Chinese economic zone, the Mirsarai special economic zone, and a potential free trade zone—all likely to be located in the port city.

"All these manufacturing centres will be centred around Chattogram because of its port facilities. If we fail to optimise port efficiency, the entire master plan will be at risk," he said.

LOCAL BUSINESSES OPPOSE PORT FDI

During a meeting with the Bida executive chairman, several business leaders and political figures expressed opposition to the government's plan to attract foreign investment for seaport facilities or appoint foreign firms for port operations.

PHP Group Chairman Sufi Mizanur Rahman said, "Foreign investment is important, and we welcome it. But we should also consider that foreign investors take away all their profits."

Mentioning that local investors reinvest their profits in the country, Rahman urged the government to provide more support for domestic investors.

Former Chittagong Chamber President Ershad Ullah said that while FDI is crucial, local industrialists struggle to get consistent gas, electricity, and water supplies to run their plants effectively.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Chattogram city unit Ameer Shahjahan Chowdhury opposed plans to appoint a foreign operator for the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), which was constructed and equipped with port funds.

"We are not against foreign investment," he said. "Let them develop greenfield ports or build new terminals, but we don't understand why the government is inviting foreign operators to manage an already established terminal."

BSRM Managing Director Ameir Alihussain highlighted a different issue, saying that businesses in Chattogram are overly dependent on Dhaka for decision-making. "Every file goes to Dhaka. Businesses need to maintain offices, residences, and vehicles in Dhaka just to follow up on approvals."

To ease business operations, the steel-maker urged the government to decentralise some decision-making processes—not only to Chattogram but also to other cities.