Top international port operators are being brought in to enhance the efficiency and optimal use of Bangladesh’s land and port capacities, said Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA).

He said this while briefing reporters after inspecting Chittagong Port’s operational activities, Laldiar Char Terminal and Bay Terminal project on Thursday.

The BIDA chairman said many ports across the world are operated by leading global operators without compromising their security, Bangladesh can do the same.

“To increase investment and create employment, it is significant to expand and strengthen port operations,” Ashik Chowdhury said, adding that the port and land capabilities of the country will increase several times if the top global operators run those. 

Assuring of no safety threats if the foreign operators run the ports, he said, "Our goal is to make Bangladesh a manufacturing hub and for that enhancing port capacity is essential,” said the BIDA chairman.

Regarding the Bay Terminal, he informed that two foreign firms are set to invest around $ 2 billion in phases which will create huge employment opportunities. “Once operational by 2030, the Bay Terminal is expected to bring a major economic transformation across the region,” he hoped.

Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, chairman of Chittagong Port Authority, said the Bay Terminal will be able to accommodate large container vessels (mother vessels) directly and is expected to provide direct employment for 25,000 people alongside creating opportunities for over 100,000 others.

Earlier in the day, the BEZA chairman exchanged views with local business leaders at a hotel and later held a press conference at the Circuit House where he shared the future of port operations and development plans.