Secret talks over DP World’s 30-year NCT lease

Shafiul Alam

Dubai-based DP World is reportedly seeking a 30-year lease for Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), instead of the previously discussed 15-year term. The company also wants the overflow container yard included in the agreement, while negotiations are reportedly nearing completion. The lease process is allegedly being conducted in strict secrecy, raising concerns about transparency. Senior officials from the port, BIDA, the Ministry of Shipping and the PPP Authority have reportedly held meetings in Dhaka rather than at the port. Economist Prof Moinul Islam questioned why the negotiations were being kept secret. He said the terms of any concession should be disclosed so the public can determine whether the agreement serves the national interest.

A 12-member support committee is assisting the negotiations, while officials have reportedly been instructed not to discuss the deal publicly. Consequently, the agreement could be signed in Dhaka at short notice, according to sources familiar with the process. Workers, professionals, and political and social organisations have strongly opposed leasing NCT to a foreign operator. They argue that the terminal is strategically sensitive because it is located near important naval and energy installations, making national security a major concern.

Opponents have also raised concerns about the possible entry of foreign workers, particularly Indian nationals, if DP World receives the long-term concession. They cited an earlier incident in which 21 Indian nationals reportedly entered restricted areas of Chattogram Port while conducting a survey under DP World’s identity. Workers’ groups have repeatedly sought a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to explain what they describe as the economic and security risks of the proposed lease. They now hope to meet him during his visit to Chattogram today and present their objections directly.

Supporters of keeping NCT under local control point to its recent performance under Chittagong Dry Dock Limited, a Bangladesh Navy-owned organisation. Since taking over operations in July 2024, the terminal has reportedly achieved record container-handling figures, including 126,000 TEUs in May 2026, its highest monthly total. NCT is the country’s largest container terminal and handled 44 percent of Chattogram Port’s total container traffic in 2025. NCT and Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT) together generate around 60 percent of the port’s revenue, making the proposed lease particularly significant.

Meanwhile, other major port facilities, including Patenga, Laldia and Pangaon terminals, have already been handed over to foreign operators under long-term agreements. Opponents fear that leasing NCT would further reduce the port’s direct control over key container facilities. The Chattogram Port Protection Committee has announced a citizens’ convention at Chattogram Press Club on August 15. The committee, comprising labour, professional, social and political organisations, is demanding cancellation of the proposed lease of NCT and other port facilities.