The government is moving forward with plans to involve foreign companies in the expansion of Chattogram Port in an effort to significantly boost its operational capacity and efficiency. Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, shared the information while speaking to journalists during a discussion at the Chattogram Circuit House on Friday afternoon.
Alam stated that the government is treating the development of Chattogram Port with high priority, outlining a comprehensive plan to increase the port’s container-handling capacity sixfold. According to him, once the project is implemented, the port will be able to process up to 7.86 million containers annually, positioning it as a stronger player in global trade.
He emphasized the importance of international collaboration for this project, noting that the scale of investment and technical requirements are beyond the reach of local companies. “This level of investment isn’t feasible for domestic firms. In addition to funding, efficiency is a major concern,” he said. Comparing the performance of Bangladesh’s port with global standards, he added, “At Jebel Ali Port, it takes one minute to handle a container. At Chattogram Port, it takes five. We must address this gap.”
Alam also noted that successful involvement of foreign firms would reflect positively on Bangladesh’s international image, signaling the country’s readiness to attract investment and take a more active role in global trade networks. He suggested that the current changes in global trade present a unique opportunity for Bangladesh, especially as traditional trade systems are being redefined. While other countries in Asia like China, Vietnam, South Korea, and Singapore have thrived by boosting exports, South Asia, he said, has yet to fully capitalize on such opportunities.
“The real challenge now is whether Bangladesh can seize this moment,” he said.
The session was also attended by Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanam, who both expressed optimism about the port’s future and the potential benefits of foreign involvement in national infrastructure development.
As global trade dynamics shift, the expansion of Chattogram Port is expected to become a critical step toward enhancing Bangladesh’s connectivity, competitiveness, and long-term economic growth.
