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Khaled Saifulla 20 Nov 2025 , 1:42 PM Print Edition
A group of 107 citizens demands the end of secret port agreements. Therefore, they also ask for clear information about leasing key facilities. The citizens released a strong public statement today.
For example, they point to agreements for the Laldia Container Terminal at Chittagong Port and the Pangaon Container Terminal near Dhaka. Clearly, the signatories showed deep worry about the lack of openness in these deals. As a result, they say the deals must be dropped.
Cancel the Deals: The citizens want the government to immediately cancel the port leasing agreements.
Show the Details: Also, they ask the government to share all details and rules for the Laldia and Pangaon terminals.
Bad Process: The statement says the decision process was wrong. It was not open. Moreover, it did not include port users or experts.
Outside Influence: The citizens worry about the influence of the International Finance Corporation (IFC). In fact, the government seems to be making choices—like leasing terminals to foreign firms and raising port fees—based only on the IFC’s advice.
The eminent citizens thus question why the government relies on the IFC for big decisions about national infrastructure. Above all, they feel the IFC helps global business interests, not the country’s own public interest.
