Port Workers Demand Cancellation of PCT Lease

The government of Bangladesh is planning to appoint globally experienced foreign firms to operate Chattogram Port and other key sea and land ports to address capacity limitations and reduce container congestion, as stated by Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) signed a Tk 61.96 billion contract with a Japanese joint venture (Penta-Ocean Construction and TOA Corporation) to build Bangladesh’s first deep-sea port at Matarbari, as part of the revised Tk 243.81 billion Matarbari Port Development Project.

The government has approved a major support project for the Bay Terminal at Chattogram port, focusing on marine infrastructure development with a budget of Tk 13,525.57 crore. The project, considered crucial for Bangladesh’s growing economy due to the lack of a true deep-sea port, will include building a breakwater and improving port connectivity.

The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has revised the cost of the Bay Terminal Marine Infrastructure Development Project to Tk13,525.27 crore—down from an initial estimate of Tk14,600 crore—following evaluation committee recommendations.

In response to India’s abrupt withdrawal of transshipment privileges on April 8, 2024, Bangladesh is accelerating its air cargo infrastructure development to maintain export continuity and establish itself as a regional logistics hub. India’s decision to revoke a four-year-old facility disrupted vital air cargo routes, particularly for ready-made garments, as nearly 600 tons—18% of Bangladesh's weekly air exports—had been routed through Indian airports.

Benapole, Bangladesh’s busiest land port, recorded a 13.19% revenue growth despite a decline in imports. For FY25, the customs house targeted Tk6,705 crore in revenue, with Tk4,453.31 crore expected in the first eight months.