Economy
PM: Bangladesh to Review Maersk’s Chattogram Terminal Proposal
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has announced that the nation’s relevant authorities will evaluate a proposal put forth by the Danish shipping and logistics giant, Maersk Group. The proposal pertains to the construction and operation of a novel container terminal at Laldia in Chattogram.
During a meeting at her office with Robert Maersk Uggla, the CEO of Maersk Group, and Danish Charges D’Affaires in Bangladesh, Andres B Karlsen, Prime Minister Hasina affirmed her government’s openness to considering the proposition. Highlighting the growing engagement between the two countries, PM noted that more than 50 Danish companies are currently active in Bangladesh.
Maersk Group’s interest in establishing and operating an APM terminal at Laldia was acknowledged by the premier, who conveyed her remarks through a media briefing held after the meeting. Sheikh Hasina also shared insights about the formulation of a logistic policy through a national committee to stimulate port development in the country.
With the Chattogram and Mongla ports already operational, and the forthcoming Payra Port’s imminent activation, Hasina highlighted the potential for India, Nepal, and Bhutan to utilize these ports for mutual benefits. Emphasizing the advantages, she pointed out the allure of the Payra port, which is expected to bring multiple opportunities.
Robert Maersk Uggla, the CEO of Maersk Group, acknowledged the immense potential within container shipping and logistic support in Bangladesh. He expressed enthusiasm for investing in port and logistic infrastructure, alluding to significant opportunities in these sectors. Notably, he underlined that renowned companies like H&M, M&S, and Walmart are keen on importing more Ready-Made Garment (RMG) products from Bangladesh.
Uggla also commended Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision to create a technologically advanced Bangladesh and foresees its manifestation at Chattogram seaport. He articulated the Group’s eagerness to engage in the development of ports and logistic support in Bangladesh, citing the supportive stance of the Danish government toward the nation’s logistic policy.
Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary, M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, and Chairman of Chattogram Port Authority, Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail, were also present during the productive exchange of ideas. As Bangladesh’s leadership examines the proposal, the potential collaboration with Maersk Group marks a significant stride toward bolstering the nation’s maritime and logistic endeavors.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday paid tribute to the Armed Forces Division by placing a floral wreath at its headquarters.
Prof Yunus, who visited the division as part of his official duties, laid the wreath to honor the sacrifices and dedication of the members of the Armed Forces.
Following the wreath-laying ceremony, he signed the visitor’s book.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal, along with four other election commissioners, announced their resignation during a press conference today at the Election Commission (EC) building. The resignation follows growing speculation and pressure.
CEC Awal stated, “In this changed situation, I and other commissioners have decided to step down. We’re handing over our resignation letters to the EC Secretary to send it to the President.” After submitting the letters, the CEC and some commissioners quickly left the premises, with no clear explanation for the absence of two election commissioners.
The resignations come amid increasing unrest tied to the registration of political parties such as Nagarik Oikya and Gono Odhikar Parishad. Sources revealed the CEC felt unsafe due to aggressive behavior from activists, prompting the decision to step down.
Protesters outside the EC building hurled shoes at vehicles carrying Election Commissioners Rashida Sultana, Md Alamgir, and Anisur Rahman as they left. Meanwhile, preparations for their exit had already been underway, with the commissioners reportedly relocating personal belongings from their offices.
The commission, appointed in February 2022 for a five-year term, had previously expressed confusion over demands for their resignation, maintaining they had conducted fair elections. However, internal discussions led to the collective decision to resign earlier than expected.
The government will now purchase LNG from the international spot market through open tender instead of negotiation.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in a meeting on Wednesday in principle approved a proposal in this regard.
Adviser of the interim government for Finance Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, who presided over the meeting, said that the government will procure LNG through open tender.
The Energy and Mineral Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources placed the proposal where it sought approval to import LNG from 23 listed companies in the international spot market.
The adviser said that though such 23 companies were enlisted by the previous Awami League government and signed Master Sales and Purchase Agreement, they will remain unchanged.
He said that instead of applying the Speedy Increase of Energy and Power Supply (Special) Act 2010, the interim government will follow the Public Procurement Rules 2008 to ensure the competitive bidding process.
“We don’t want to change them as we wanted to import LNG quickly, ensuring proper competition among the suppliers,” he told reporters.
Committee also approved another proposal in principle to sign a contract to import urea fertiliser for the 2024-25 fiscal year from Fertiglobe Distribution Limited, UAE, on a G-to-G basis.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Government Procurement (CCGP) in a meeting, presided over by the Adviser for Finance, approved 3 proposals for import of lentil and fertiliser.
As per the proposal, the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh will procure 10,000 metric tons (MT) of lentil from local firm Sahara Enterprise at a cost of Tk 98.20 crore with each kg priced at Tk 98.20.
The Commerce Ministry which moved the proposal on behalf of the TCB in the meeting mentioned in the proposal that the supplier firm was selected through open tender.
The CCGP approved two separate proposals of the Industries Ministry under which Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation will import 30,000 MT of bulk granular urea fertiliser from Fertiglobe Distribution Limited, UAE, under state to state contract at a cost of Tk 121.48 crore.
Each metric ton of fertiliser will cost $343.17.
Another 30,000 MT of bagged granular urea fertiliser will be procured from the local Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (Kafco) at a cost of Tk 116.99 crore with each metric ton costing $330.50.
