Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said on Wednesday that the interim government has taken initiatives to make Chittagong port world-class by inviting top global port management companies, calling the port the heart of the country's economy.
The chief adviser revealed the plan while speaking at the New Mooring Container Terminal of the port in the first event of his daylong tour in Chittagong, when he was briefed about the port capacity, according to the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.
"It will be a big opportunity for us," said the chief adviser, adding that once the government's plans are materialized, it will improve the economy of the country and create jobs for thousands of people.
"If we have to change the economy of Bangladesh, Chittagong port is the hope. Without it, there is no alternative," he said.
Calling Chittagong port the heart of Bangladesh's economy, the chief adviser said: "If the heart is weak, no physician can make it function well. This is why we have to make it world-class."
"They (top global port management firms) were called earlier, but there was no meaningful progress," he said.
"This heart has to be connected with neighbours, that is why I said about Nepal, the Seven Sisters (seven northeastern states of India). If they are connected to it, they will benefit and so will we. Those who will not be connected will be the losers," he said.
Recalling his childhood memory of Chittagong port, the chief adviser said he had been waiting for this visit.
“Chittagong port is not a new place to me. I have been familiar with it since my childhood. It has changed a lot over the years, but it is sad to see that its changes have been slow. Since I got a chance, from day one I have been trying to see what could be done for it," he said.
“The world has moved a lot, but we are lagging a lot behind. Nobody cares about it. This is why I was pushing for change. I asked to hand over the charge of port handling to the world's top operators. I hope everyone realizes it," he said.
Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hussain lauded the chief adviser's eagerness to improve the port's facilities.
Sakhawat said that the construction of several terminals surrounding the port would ease container congestion.
"I hope within six months you will notice the change," he said.
Chittagong Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman laid emphasis on the mordernization of Chittagong port, saying that it handles 92% of Bangladesh's foreign trade and 98% of this trade is handled by the New Mooring Container Terminal.
There is no alternative available to it at the moment, he said, adding that due to natural reasons ship above a length of 200 metres cannot anchor at Chittagong port.
Due to this, Bangladesh suffers a loss of around Tk10 lakh a day, he said, quoting a World Bank study.
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