Conflicting ministry letters on same day revive debate over NCT lease to DP World

Two separate letters carrying seemingly contradictory messages on the same day have reignited debate over the future of Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), the country’s largest and busiest container handling facility.

The letters, both issued by the shipping ministry on Thursday (4 June), have raised fresh questions about the government’s actual position regarding the proposed long-term lease of the terminal to Dubai-based global port operator DP World.

In a letter sent to Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) in the morning, the ministry instructed the port to either expedite the ongoing lease process with DP World or cancel it altogether.

However, in another letter sent later the same day, the ministry directed the port authority to continue negotiations with the UAE operator, creating confusion both inside and outside the port community.

The NCT lease proposal, which had been suspended during the final months of the interim government, regained momentum after the new government assumed office. The issuance of two different directives on the same issue has now triggered renewed scrutiny over the government’s intentions.

When contacted on this evening (6 June), Shipping Secretary Md Zakaria said there had been no change in the government’s position and negotiations with DP World remain ongoing.

“The negotiation process with DP World is continuing,” he told The Business Standard.

Explaining the first letter, the secretary said it was issued following an opinion received from the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Authority.

“The PPP Authority sent its views on the matter and the first letter was issued based on that opinion for necessary action. Later, when the port authority sought clarification, we issued another letter instructing them to continue negotiations. There has been no policy shift,” he said.

Evaluation committee proposed

Following the ministry’s latest communication, the Chattogram Port Authority moved to advance the process.

Yesterday, despite it being a weekly holiday, the port authority sent a letter to the ministry seeking approval for a seven-member evaluation committee to complete the negotiation process with DP World.

Officials familiar with the matter said the formation of the committee indicates that negotiations are entering a crucial stage after months of uncertainty.

NCT is the largest of Chattogram Port’s four operational container terminals and serves as the backbone of Bangladesh’s international container trade.

According to port data, the terminal handled around 44% of all containers moved through Chattogram Port last year, making it the single most important container handling facility in the country.