DE News Desk :
Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun has announced a landmark $800 million investment in the Laldia Container Terminal, situated on the southeast bank of the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram.
The project, under a public-private partnership model, marks one of the largest single foreign investments in the country’s port infrastructure to date.
Speaking to journalists after visiting the site in Chattogram’s Patenga area on Tuesday morning, Harun stated, “Our annual foreign direct investment (FDI) averages around $700 million. An $800 million investment in a single project is a major milestone for the national economy. It will generate significant employment opportunities. BIDA is actively monitoring the project’s progress.”
The BIDA chief, who also serves as Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), was accompanied by senior officials including Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor Shafiqul Alam, Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, and Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman.
Following a tour of the New Mooring Container Terminal, Harun emphasized Chattogram’s critical role in Bangladesh’s future, saying, “Dhaka may be the political capital, but Chattogram is the heart of our commercial ambitions. Its strategic position is vital to achieving our long-term economic development goals.”
He highlighted the project’s job creation potential, especially for local communities, and reiterated the importance of upgrading port infrastructure to global standards.
“Economic growth must be the top priority for every government. Enhancing our terminal capabilities will directly contribute to national business growth,” he said.
Harun confirmed that the $800 million investment is entirely foreign-funded, describing it as a “historic opportunity” for Bangladesh to advance toward becoming a global manufacturing hub.
“Our vision is to develop Laldia as a green port through this investment,” he added.
The terminal, operated by APM Terminals — a subsidiary of Danish logistics giant A.P. Moller–Maersk — began operations in 2024.
Initially projected to attract between $300 million and $400 million, the investment has since more than doubled, reflecting the project’s growing strategic importance.
The project will be implemented under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, combining public-private partnership mechanisms and government-to-government collaboration.
Harun stressed the need for long-term planning and expert involvement to maximize efficiency in limited space, noting that even with significant expansions, Bangladesh’s port capacity still trails behind regional competitors like Vietnam.
As part of broader efforts to expand trade and attract investment, Harun also revealed that a committee has been formed to establish a free trade zone in the country, with Anwara in Chattogram identified as a potential site.
His visit precedes the expected arrival of Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus in Chattogram on May 14, who is also expected to assess the region’s investment potential.