Business leaders on Friday, 11 October 2026, expressed optimism that the entry of global operator DP World into Chattogram Port will enhance efficiency and attract foreign investment. Trade figures and industry representatives indicate that the partnership aims to lower trade expenses and resolve long-standing congestion challenges at the nation’s primary seaport.
Prominent trade advocates stated that the Dubai-based company brings advanced technological tools and specialized management strategies. They noted these capabilities can shorten vessel turnaround times and accelerate freight movement. Such improvements are expected to elevate the competitive standing of Bangladesh in global commerce.
Md Fazlul Hoque, administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), pointed out that the broader gains for the national economy deserve priority over mere revenue collection. He explained that smoother port procedures will lower import expenses and streamline shipments for local producers. He also cautioned that service upgrades must not trigger unfair fee hikes for local companies.
Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), voiced support for the government pact with DP World. He stated that the arrangement will expand cargo capacity and generate savings on operational overhead. He urged all stakeholders to evaluate the initiative strictly through the lens of national economic benefit.
Current operational hurdles at the facility highlight the urgent need for modernization. The 2025 Container Port Performance Index placed Chattogram Port at 364th out of 400 global container facilities. Figures referenced from World Bank research show that ships face waiting periods of up to three days, contrasting sharply with the 15 to 24 hour duration typical at rival hubs.
Storage delays inside the yards average approximately nine days, whereas benchmark ports manage containers within two and a half days. Sources estimate that these bottlenecks inflict financial losses totaling near Tk 10 crore daily, adding up to roughly Tk 3,650 crore across a year. World Bank projections indicate that cutting yard storage time by a single day could expand trade volume through the facility by about 7.5 percent.
The New Mooring Container Terminal processes nearly 44 percent of all container traffic moving through the seaport. Boosting the performance of this specific zone will significantly raise overall throughput and speed up import and export workflows. Under the 15-year contract, DP World will handle vessel coordination, yard storage, and container transfers after customs clearance.
Financial terms of the arrangement stipulate that DP World will disburse an initial payment of approximately Tk 600 crore to the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA). The port authority will secure between 40 and 67 percent of gross earnings generated from cargo handling activities. Furthermore, sources confirmed that the deal mandates an investment exceeding Tk 1,000 crore toward facility upgrades during the initial decade alongside a yearly baseline payment of Tk 10 crore.
DP World currently manages over 80 terminals spanning more than 40 nations, incorporating inland logistics networks into its global footprint. Former Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) president SM Fazlul Hoque remarked that the business community stands ready to assist the government in executing the plan. Russell Mahmud, chief operating officer of Bay-Berth Maritime, added that quicker freight deliveries will bolster export capabilities and decrease inbound supply chain expenses.
Insiders familiar with the negotiations emphasized that appointing an external firm for terminal management does not constitute a transfer of asset ownership. Sovereign authority and legal possession remain entirely with the state and the port authority. Officials noted that long-term success relies heavily on strict contract enforcement, transparent monitoring, and sustained service quality.