Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Shafiqul Alam spoke at a press conference at the Chittagong Circuit House today. Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, May 2, 2025 (BSS) - The interim government is actively working to turn Bangladesh as regional manufacturing hub by cashing the huge potentials of greater Chattogram and enhancing the capacity building of Chattogram port is top priority to implement the visionary plan. 

Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Shafiqul Alam made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing on his maiden Chattogram visit after assuming power by the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus.
 
Regarding the much talked about humanitarian corridor to Rakhine State of Myanmar through the south-eastern boarder of Cox’s Bazar, he said, “The government has categorically made clear its stance over the issue earlier. 

First of all, such corridor must be initiated under the UN involvement and then Bangladesh will give consent to such facility after having nod from two countries involved in it. And before finalizing the decision, the government must talk with all domestic stakeholders”.   

The press briefing, held at Ctg circuit house conference room this afternoon, was also attended by deputy commissioner Farida Khanom, deputy press secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Chattogram Press Club Member Secretary Zahidul Karim Kachi, Chattogram Metropolitan Union of Journalists President Mohammed Shah Nowaz and General Secretary Saleh Noman. 

Shafiqul Alam said that plan is underway to increase existing container handing capacity of Ctg port to six times by 2030 and otherwise, the country will not be able to attract foreign investors. 

“Turning Bangladesh into a regional manufacturing hub is one of the core agendas of the interim government led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus aiming to take our economy at the new height and create job opportunities for the huge young workforce,” the press secretary said. 

He said there will be no alternative to simplifying the export process as well as speedy upgrading of overall port efficiency for encouraging the foreign investors which will help create scope for investments worth billions of dollars. 

“We’ve a plan to engage globally leading port operating companies in our port sector which have proven track record in managing and operating ports efficiently and discussion is underway to this end,” he said, setting a target to accomplish the task by next September. 

He said there is a target to increase the existing 12.70 lakhs TEUs container handling capacity of the terminals on operation and under construction terminals including those at Laldia, Bay Terminal, Patenga and Matarbari to 78.60 lakhs TEUs by 2030. 
  
Criticizing the ousted AL government, Shafiqul Alam said, “AL has no right to talk over Rohingya issue as they were afraid of uttering the word Rohingya and were used to say Rohingya Bangalee terming the community as FDMN (Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals)”. 
 
Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said the government is trying to start repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar with vigorous efforts through convincing all stakeholders at Myanmar and other states.