After a pause of around four months, the issue of leasing the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port to Dubai-based DP World has resurfaced following government instructions to resume the negotiation process.

The interim government had earlier stepped back from the plan to lease the strategically important terminal amid widespread criticism and a strike by port workers during the final phase of its tenure.

Sources at the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) said the Shipping Ministry, in a letter sent to the CPA chairman on Thursday, directed authorities to either complete or cancel the NCT lease process with DP World FZE.

However, another letter issued later the same day instructed the port authority to continue negotiations with DP World, bringing the issue back into focus.

Officials said the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Authority had earlier provided an opinion on the matter, based on which the first directive was issued.

Following further clarification sought by the CPA, the second letter was sent allowing negotiations to proceed.

The Daily Sun obtained both letters signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Farzana Hossain of the shipping ministry.

After receiving the instructions, the CPA moved to form an evaluation committee to complete the negotiation process.

The port authority has requested ministry approval for a seven-member committee, according to sources.

CPA Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts.

Background of the NCT lease process

The NCT was long operated by private firm Saif Powertec Limited. After its contract expired on 6 July 2025, operations were taken over the following day by Chittagong Dry Dock Limited (CDDL), a Bangladesh Navy-run entity.

The terminal recently handled a record 1.26 lakh twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers in a single month.

The government’s plan to hand over the terminal, which handles around 44% of Chattogram Port’s total container traffic, has previously triggered strong opposition from various stakeholders.

The process of appointing a foreign operator began during the tenure of the ousted Awami League government.

Amid a strike that disrupted international trade activities, the interim government suspended the move on 8 February, just days before national elections.

Following the formation of the new government, the issue resurfaced on 8 April at the fourth meeting of the Bangladesh-Dubai Joint Public-Private Partnership Platform.

At that meeting, DP World proposed operating not only the NCT but also the adjacent Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT) as an integrated facility.

Separately, domestic firm MGH Group and Saudi operator RSGT, which runs the Patenga Container Terminal, also expressed interest in operating the NCT, CCT and the General Cargo Berth (GCB).

Meanwhile, the Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP) has called on workers, intellectuals, political parties and democratic forces to unite in resisting what it described as “anti-state agreements” related to the Chattogram port.

The call was made at a press conference held at Chattogram Press Club on 21 May.