Chittagong Port lease to DP World ruled out during interim govt tenure: Ashik

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun on Sunday ruled out any possibility of leasing out Chittagong Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) during the tenure of the interim government, putting an end to speculation over a potential deal with global port operator DP World.Speaking at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in the afternoon, Ashik said DP World has sought more time to review the draft agreement, making it clear that no lease deal can be finalised before the interim government exits office.“DP World has asked for time. As this government has no more than two working days left, it can be stated with certainty that no port lease agreement will be signed during the interim government’s tenure,” he said.Ashik said DP World sent a letter to the Chief Adviser’s Office on Sunday morning, expressing satisfaction with the discussions held so far ...

• 08 Feb 2026