The government is advancing a process to place Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal, or NCT, under Dubai-based ports and logistics company DP World, according to Amardesh. The Public-Private Partnership Authority is working on behalf of the government. The report says NCT was built with the port authority’s own funds, with total public investment reaching about Tk2,712 crore by January this year. The PPP Authority website says DP World would invest $205 million, but does not specify investment sectors.

Former port member Jafar Alam said the modern terminal already has nearly all required equipment, leaving limited scope for major new investment beyond software, IT upgrades and skilled staffing. Former Chattogram Port chairman Mohammad Shahjahan said the arrangement was initially intended to make DP World an operator paid a service charge, but was later framed as a concession. He warned that this could shift a large share of terminal revenues to the company.

An evaluation committee estimated that if gross revenue reaches $120 per 20-foot container under the proposal, the port’s net margin could fall to $17.18, compared with $65.25 under the current model. The PPP Authority said the government’s decision remains under discussion and review, and that specific details cannot be provided before a final decision.