DE News Desk :
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday stressed the urgent need to transform Chattogram Port into a globally competitive seaport, stating that the country’s economic ambitions hinge on the port’s capacity and efficiency.
Speaking at a gathering held at the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT-5), Prof Yunus described the port as the “heart of the national economy” and underscored its central role in shaping Bangladesh’s economic future.
“A new chapter in Bangladesh’s economy cannot be written without strengthening Chattogram Port,” said the Chief Adviser.
“The port must be upgraded to international standards if we are to build one of the world’s best-performing economies.”
He added that the government is currently in talks with several globally reputed port-handling companies to boost operational efficiency and capacity.
He called for swift action in modernising port infrastructure to attract increased foreign investment and unlock new avenues of growth.
Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain and Chittagong Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman also addressed the event, highlighting ongoing development initiatives.
Prof Yunus arrived in Chattogram early Wednesday, marking his first visit to his home district since assuming office.
He began the day with a visit to the port before attending multiple official programmes, including a foundation stone unveiling ceremony for the long-awaited Kalurghat Bridge over the Karnaphuli River at the Chattogram Circuit House.
“This is a historic bridge,” said Prof Yunus, expressing optimism that the three-year project would bring transformative benefits for residents of Boalkhali and Patiya upazilas on the southern bank of the river.
During his visit, officials briefed the Chief Adviser on key urban issues, including waterlogging in Chattogram city and traffic congestion on Hathazari Road near the Oxygen intersection.
He also handed over land documents to the authorities of the Chattogram National Heart Foundation.
A highlight of the visit was Prof Yunus’s participation in Chittagong University’s fifth convocation, where he served as the chief guest and convocation speaker.
In recognition of his academic and humanitarian contributions, CU awarded him an honorary Doctor of Letters (D Litt).
The university is hosting the largest convocation in Bangladesh’s history, conferring degrees to 22,586 graduates, including 42 PhD holders and 33 MPhil recipients.
The main event is being held at CU’s north campus, where a 150,000 sq ft pavilion has been constructed to accommodate over 25,000 attendees, with live broadcasts across the campus via LED screens.
Reflecting on the milestone event, CU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Yeahia Akhter said:“This convocation is a celebration of academic excellence and the culmination of a long wait. Thanks to the success of the anti-discrimination movement, our students are finally receiving the recognition they deserve.”
The Chief Adviser is also scheduled to visit his ancestral home in Bathua village of Shikarpur union, Hathazari upazila, rounding off a packed 12-hour itinerary in his native district.