Bangladesh bets on $150 million investment to modernize Chattogram terminal

Bangladesh signed a 15-year agreement Thursday with Dubai-based DP World to operate Chattogram port’s New Mooring Container Terminal, amid protests demanding cancellation of the deal.

The company pledged $150 million to modernize equipment and introduce greater automation. Shipping minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said Bangladesh would receive 67% of container handling revenue.

Officials expect annual handling volume to rise from about 1.23 million to between 1.6 million and 1.8 million standard 20-foot containers as efficiency improves.

Rabiul said existing port employees would retain their jobs and current gross salaries.

Workers’ organizations in Chattogram demanded talks by Oct. 11, announced a token hunger strike for Monday, and warned of intensified protests.

Protest leaders criticized signing the agreement without publicly disclosing its details and questioned safeguards for workers.