HC halts all activities linked to Chattogram port deal

The High Court (HC) has ordered suspension of all activities related to the agreement on operating the Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) until the pending writ petition is resolved.

A High Court bench led by Justice Fatema Najib passed the order on Thursday (November 20).

During the hearing, the state assured the court that all activities under the deal would remain halted.

Senior lawyers Zainul Abedin, Ahsanul Karim, Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon and Barrister Kaisar Kamal argued for the writ petitioner, while Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman represented the state.

On July 30, the High Court issued a rule after hearing a writ challenging the legality of the agreement signed between the Chattogram Port Authority and a foreign company for the NCT’s operation.

The petition was filed by Mirza Walid Hossain, president of the Bangladesh Youth Economist Forum, questioning the legality of handing over the terminal to a foreign firm.