Patenga terminal agreement with Saudi company will be reviewed: Shipping adviser

The government is set to review various terms and conditions of the concession agreement of Patenga Container Terminal with Saudi company Red Sea Gateway Terminal International (RSGTI), Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Shakhawat Hossain said today (8 October).

"I inspected the Patenga terminal today. Both Saudi officials and our team have identified some concerns, which we will thoroughly review," he said at a press conference after visiting the terminal.

The adviser said, "We should not do anything that would harm our relationship with the country [Saudi Arabia], as a large number of expatriates from our country work there. We also have mutual interests. Decisions will be made after careful review." 

He said the government will conduct a thorough review of past tenders and their terms to ensure fair competition and prevent any unfair advantages for individuals or entities, regardless of nationality.

Shipping adviser's statements come following an investigative report titled " How Patenga terminal operation slips out of Ctg port's hand" published by The Business Standard on 8 October, highlighting the concerns over the management of the Patenga terminal, built with the port's own funds.

In response to journalists' questions about foreign operators managing the terminal, Shakhawat acknowledged the issues surrounding its operation. 

Addressing the issue of corruption in Chittagong Port, he said, "There has been a lot of corruption centring this port, and it's not going to end overnight. However, we are actively working on these issues."

The adviser indicated corruption in the recruitment of Berth Operators, stating, "Contracts were awarded to relatives to operate berths, and many of these berths are now inactive. We will take action against operators who were recruited through nepotism."

He urged journalists covering the port to help identify and report any irregularities they encountered, promising to provide them with easy access. 

He said, "As a newcomer to the sector, I value your assistance. Please form a committee to investigate all irregularities and report directly to me."

Shakhawat Hossain also touched on the broader issue of foreign investments in Bangladesh's ports, acknowledging that several foreign entities have expressed interest in investing in Chittagong and other ports across the country. 

While welcoming foreign investment, Shakhawat made it clear that all agreements must be made in the country's best interests.

"We will prioritise the country's interests. To ensure fairness and transparency, all processes will be conducted through competitive tendering," he stated.

Shakhawat emphasised the multifaceted nature of foreign direct investment (FDI), noting that while it offers benefits, countries must safeguard their own interests and prioritise them in negotiations with foreign investors.

He further emphasised the need to ensure that Chittagong Port's equipment is in optimal working condition, citing previous instances of equipment mismanagement and neglect. 

"The corruption that has taken place over the last 22 years cannot be curbed in just two months," he stated.

He also raised concerns about the long-standing issue of outdated containers and vehicles occupying space at the port.

"There are containers that have been sitting here for 20 years and vehicles that have been abandoned for 12 to 14 years. It is the National Board of Revenue's responsibility to auction them, but what is holding them back?" he questioned.

Shakhawat warned that the efficiency of the port cannot be improved if these outdated items continue to occupy valuable space. 

"We need these items to be auctioned off quickly. If necessary, I will speak with the NBR chairman to expedite the process. Customs laws may also need to be revised to facilitate this," he added.

The adviser also discussed ongoing efforts to automate port operations, which he believes will significantly reduce the waiting time for ships at Chittagong Port.

"If we can fully implement automation, the waiting time for ships will be cut down. This will also reduce the time it takes to load and unload containers from ships," he explained.

He noted that while the Chittagong Port Authority is working towards automation, several other agencies involved in port operations must also contribute to making the port more efficient.

Shakhawat reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring the transparent and fair management of Chittagong Port.

"We are focused on making this port more effective, and that requires cooperation from everyone involved. From ensuring competitive tendering to addressing corruption and inefficiencies, we are taking concrete steps to secure the future of Chittagong Port," he said.

During the briefing, Chittagong Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman and other senior port officials were also present.