Author: Online Desk
In a landmark development for the nation’s logistics and export-driven economy, Bangladesh has officially signed a transformative 15-year concession agreement with Dubai-based global port operator DP World to manage and modernise the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port. The high-profile agreement was formally executed on Thursday at the Invest Bangladesh auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka, following years of planning, rigorous reviews, and strategic negotiations facilitated by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as the lead transaction adviser. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of key government dignitaries, including Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister for Shipping Md.…
DP World named as proposed operator; agreement covers NCT and Overflow Container Yard; final contractual procedures remain The government on Thursday decided to hand over the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port to an international terminal operator for 15 years, approving the draft concession agreement for the operation and maintenance of the country’s largest container-handling facility. The approval, granted in principle by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), marks a major step forward in the long-running initiative to bring Dubai-based global port operator DP World into the operation of the strategically important terminal. The proposed concession also…
Bangladesh has urged China to step up its diplomatic engagement and cooperation to create conditions for the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, as Dhaka seeks to reinforce international efforts to resolve the protracted humanitarian crisis. President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the appeal during a farewell courtesy call by outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen at Bangabhaban on Wednesday morning, highlighting China’s constructive role in addressing the Rohingya crisis. “China’s initiatives would contribute to resolving the crisis and ensuring sustainable repatriation,” the President said, according to President’s Press Secretary Md. Sarwar Alam,…
The government has intensified its efforts to maintain law and order, with ongoing drives against terrorists, armed criminals, drug dealers and extortionists set to be strengthened further, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Wednesday. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to public safety, the minister said law enforcement agencies are maintaining updated lists of criminal elements and conducting regular operations to bring offenders to justice, regardless of their political affiliations. “Lists of terrorists, armed criminals, drug dealers and extortionists are always maintained by the police and regularly updated,” he said while responding to reporters after a meeting at the Secretariat…
A Myanmar military airstrike on a crowded market in northern Rakhine has killed at least 50 people and wounded 58 others, according to updated reports, with Rohingya civilians, including children, reportedly among the victims, raising fresh concerns in Bangladesh over the worsening humanitarian situation and prospects for the safe and voluntary repatriation of more than 1.2 million refugees. The Arakan Army initially reported 33 deaths and 36 injuries following Monday’s airstrike in Kyauktaw township, while Rohingya leader Maung Tun Kin, based in Europe, said at least 13 Rohingya were killed or missing, including children aged nine to 16. The…
DHAKA, Sept 28: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called for expanding bilateral trade, investment and development cooperation with China, reaffirming Bangladesh’s interest in deepening economic ties with its major development partner. He made the remarks when outgoing Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen paid a farewell call on him at his office. The meeting discussed various issues of mutual interest, including the Rohingya crisis, Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu said. During the meeting, Yao Wen congratulated Tarique Rahman on his successful participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and his engagements in New…
Domestic passenger flight operations began from the newly built terminal of Cox’s Bazar Airport on Monday, marking a major step in the government’s plan to transform the country’s premier tourism gateway into an international airport. The first trial operations from the new terminal began in the morning, with a Novoair flight carrying around 70 passengers departing for Dhaka at 8:45am. Air Astra and US-Bangla Airlines subsequently operated flights from the new facility around 8:50am. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) had earlier instructed all airport departments and domestic airlines to shift passenger-handling operations to the new terminal from September…
Bangladesh now needs to ensure that “repatriation” does not become another diplomatic slogan. UNGA 81 must lead to something measurable: funded, monitored and politically backed steps that transform repeated promises into a safe pathway home. After nearly a decade of sheltering more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, Bangladesh went to the 81st United Nations General Assembly with a message sharper than its traditional appeal for humanitarian assistance: the time for sympathy is over; the international community must act. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman used a high-level Rohingya side event at UN headquarters on September 23 to explicitly call…
Chittagong Hill Tracts CHT Affairs Minister Sa Ching Prue has called for coordinated efforts by political leaders, businesspeople, government and private-sector officials, and professional organisations to transform Bandarban into a clean and tourist-friendly city. “Bandarban town is small, but it is a city of exquisite beauty. Through concerted efforts, we want to develop it as a clean and tourist-friendly city,” he said. The minister made the remarks as chief guest at a stakeholder exchange meeting held at the Bandarban Deputy Commissioner’s Office on the occasion of World Tourism Day 2026. The meeting focused on tourism development, maintaining…
The Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok has suspended all consular services for Monday and Tuesday following the Thai government’s declaration of September 28 and 29 as special government holidays in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces due to flooding. The Royal Thai Government announced the two-day holiday in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan amid widespread flooding and disruptions to transportation and travel. In a notice issued on Sunday, the Bangladesh Embassy said its consular services would remain closed on September 28 and 29 in line with the Thai government’s decision. Regular consular services will resume on Wednesday, September 30, the embassy…