STAFF CORRESPONDENT, Ctg

Eminent economist Prof Anu Muhammad yesterday accused the interim government of following the path of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina by deciding to hand over the New Mooring Container Terminal of Chattogram Port to UAE-based operator DP World without any tender or public consultation.

He also criticised the month-long ban on gatherings and meetings in the port area, imposed by Chattogram Metropolitan Police until November 11.

“The authorities cited traffic congestion as the reason. Does that mean after November 11, traffic will no longer disrupt import and export activities?” he asked.

He alleged that the ban was aimed at suppressing public dissent while the government proceeds with a “dangerous, anti-national, and harmful agreement.”

Anu Muhammad made the remarks at a views-exchange meeting titled “National Capability and National Security: Chattogram Port and Bangladesh’s Development Context,” held at the Zia Memorial Museum in Chattogram.

He said national seaports should remain under local management, warning that “any conspiracy to hand over the NCT, which is being efficiently operated by local firms, to a foreign company will be resisted.”

“The chief adviser has already warned against those opposing foreign involvement in the port. Now, the police have banned all gatherings in the port area,” he said, terming it a coordinated move.

Anu Muhammad further cautioned that placing the port under foreign control would endanger national security and strategic interests.

He said despite the Constitution Reform Committee’s recommendation for broad discussions before signing international agreements, the government was proceeding without consultation or tender.

The event was jointly organised by the Democratic Rights Committee and the Democratic Rights Movement.