Could Bangladesh lose control of its most important port? Will foreign operators oversee every container and shipment? How much of our maritime security could be at stake if Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal, Laldia, and Pangaon terminals are leased for decades? And most importantly, does leasing automatically mean losing control, or can Bangladesh ensure oversight while pursuing modernization?
These issues are not just about trade, they involve Bangladesh’s control over its own territory and resources. Chattogram Port handles billions of dollars in exports and imports every year, making it essential to the country’s economy. Even a small change in who manages its operations could affect Bangladesh’s financial stability and strategic position. As the government considers long-term leasing of key terminals to foreign companies, the main concern is not whether improvements are needed, but how to achieve them without giving up authority over national interests, transport data, and maritime security in the Bay of Bengal.
In October 2025, the government announced plans to lease three major port terminals, the Laldia Terminal for 30 years, the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), and the Pangaon Inland Container Terminal for 25 years, to foreign operators. The leases are part of a broader effort to attract foreign investment and enhance efficiency amid growing trade volumes. Officials argue that Bangladesh’s port capacity has struggled to keep pace with demand, and global partnerships could deliver both infrastructure upgrades and advanced operational systems.
Shipping Secretary Mohammad Yousuf stated at a Dhaka seminar organized by the Economic Reporters Forum, “We will not compromise on national interests. Negotiations are ongoing at the highest level, and we hope to finalize a contract by December.” Similarly, Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), said at a press briefing in Chattogram’s Circuit House, “The country’s interest will be given top priority in involving global port operators in our port sectors who have good track record in this field and the entire process will be accomplished in a transparent manner.”
While the government’s official rationale centers on efficiency and modernization, opposition parties and worker groups have expressed deep concern. The BNP warned that foreign control of core logistics operations could weaken Bangladesh’s economic sovereignty, while the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) termed the move “an anti-sovereignty decision,” threatening nationwide protests if the leasing proceeds. Dock workers’ unions have described the move as a “domestic and foreign conspiracy.”
Adding to public concern is the recent rise in port tariffs. On 15 October 2025, the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) enforced a tariff hike averaging 41%, including a 56% increase in container-handling fees. Port officials argued that the new rates were necessary to meet rising operational costs, finance modernization, and align port management practices with international standards. However, business leaders warned that these sharp increases could raise the cost of exports, reduce Bangladesh’s competitiveness, and fuel inflation in domestic markets.
Apart from economic concerns, the proposed leases raise important national security risks. Chattogram Port is located close to key naval facilities, and transferring terminal operations to foreign companies could unintentionally expose sensitive logistics and surveillance information. Systems used for tracking containers, allocating berths, and scheduling vessels may reveal patterns in trade, defense-related shipments, and emergency movements. During periods of geopolitical tension or conflict, even limited foreign access to these systems could reduce Bangladesh’s ability to respond quickly and independently.
Examples from the region offer important lessons. In 2017, Sri Lanka leased the Hambantota Port to China for 99 years after failing to repay its infrastructure debt, effectively giving China a long-term strategic presence in the Indian Ocean. Similarly, Pakistan’s Gwadar Port developed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has brought infrastructure improvements but also introduced serious security concerns. The port now requires continuous military protection and has raised questions about growing economic dependence. These cases show that while foreign partnerships can support modernization, they may also weaken national control if not governed by strong and transparent legal agreements.
For Bangladesh, the risks are specially significant because Chattogram Port handles more than 90 percent of the country’s maritime trade, making it central to both economic activity and strategic operations. Any loss of operational control could affect national defense logistics, customs intelligence, and the Navy’s ability to monitor maritime activity. To protect these interests, Bangladesh must ensure that all agreements include clear terms giving national agencies full emergency authority, and that all port data servers and communication systems remain under local control.
In conclusion, Bangladesh’s challenge is not whether to modernize its ports, but how to do so without compromising national control. Foreign partnerships can offer investment and technical expertise, but without clear agreements and strong oversight, they may also create new risks. The key question is whether Bangladesh can upgrade its port infrastructure while maintaining full authority over its operations. Achieving both efficiency and sovereignty will depend not only on the choice of foreign operators but also on how carefully the government protects national interests in every detail of the agreements.
Verification Note: Information in this article has been gathered from verified news reports, government briefings, and official statements. All sources were cross-checked for authenticity and relevance prior to publication. Data, figures, and context have been aligned with available official documents and recent updates to ensure accuracy.
Afiya Ibnath Ayshi is a Fellow at Bangladesh Defence Journal. She covers defence, foreign affairs, and humanitarian issues, focusing on how regional and global developments influence Bangladesh’s security and diplomacy. A graduate in English from the University of Dhaka, she brings a research-based and balanced approach to her work.