The government has revived the process of leasing Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign operator, DP World, after receiving a directive from the Ministry of Shipping. The port authority has sought approval to form a new seven-member committee to complete tender evaluation and negotiations under the public-private partnership model. This move comes three months after a major protest during the interim government period forced a suspension of the same process.

Previously, workers’ unions and port users had united under the Nationalist Workers Party and allied groups to halt port operations for six days, opposing the lease to a foreign company on national security grounds. However, despite the renewed process, those same groups have remained notably silent, prompting speculation among port stakeholders. A consortium involving companies owned by two BNP lawmakers has also submitted a new proposal offering better terms than DP World’s.

Civil society representatives have questioned why successive governments—Awami League, interim, and now BNP—have all supported foreign operation of the terminal. Labor leaders have warned that if the government ignores their concerns, protests could resume to protect national interests.