CHATTOGRAM, Sep 17: Berth and terminal operators and ship handlers at Chittagong Port have strongly protested a foreigner's suggestion of handling the port by a foreign firm.
Forrest Cookson, a consultant of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, on Sunday said an international port management agency can increase its efficiency.
He made the opinion at a seminar in Dhaka.
Meanwhile, Chittagong Port Berth Operators, Ship Handling Operators and Terminal Operators president Fazle Ikram Chowdhury said on Monday Mr Cookson spoke on many issues, including the port's operation.
The association came to learn about the issue through reports published in the national dailies on Monday, said a press statement.
Mr Chowdhury said it seems that the man wants to hand over the country's premier port and its operational activities to a foreign management entity.
He said the port, through different berth and ship handling entities of the country, has made tremendous improvement from 2007 to 2018.
The result is evident as the port has advanced a lot, he added.
In 2007, the port's position in terms of cargo handling was 126, but it is now the 70th largest port in terms of container handling among the top 100 ports in the globe.
Despite limitations, it has gained expertise in container handling, improved infrastructure facilities and procured adequate handling equipment with the help of the local berth operators, he said.
Berth operators have been placing their improvement proposals for the port at different forums, including the Chittagong Port Advisory Committee.
Mr Cookson placed identical proposals at Sunday's seminar, Mr Chowdhury mentioned.
With the concerted effort of berth and ship handling operators, businesses and trade leaders alongside the Chittagong Port Authority, it has turned into a successful seaport.
It is now implementing the Patenga Container Terminal while constructing the Bay Terminal.
Laldia Multipurpose Terminal is all set to start within months, the berth operators' leader said.
"The experience the local berth operators have acquired over the years in handling cargo in the port has helped the port achieve its capacity and success," he remarked.
Mr Chowdhury said all quarters should consider the national interest and security aspects of the port.
There is a huge infrastructure of Bangladesh Navy in the Port area that may face security risks if the port is handed to any foreign entity, he concluded.
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