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Dhaka: An USD 800 million investment is set to transform the Laldia Container Terminal in Chattogram, as announced by Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of both the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA).
Speaking to journalists during a visit to Laldia Char, Harun described the investment as a "historic opportunity" for Bangladesh’s economic advancement. The terminal, located on the southeastern bank of the Karnaphuli River, will be developed into a green port through a public-private partnership and a government-to-government agreement under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model.
He highlighted the significance of the investment, which surpasses the country's annual FDI average of USD 700 million, noting its potential to generate substantial employment and accelerate industrial growth in Chattogram. “Our aim is to create jobs and make Chattogram the commercial engine of Bangladesh,” he said.
The BIDA chief emphasized long-term planning to expand port capacity, recognizing the limitations of existing infrastructure and advocating collaboration with global port management leaders.
During the visit, which included an inspection of the New Mooring Container Terminal, Harun was accompanied by senior officials including CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman. The delegation's assessment precedes a scheduled visit by Chief Advisor Prof. Muhammad Yunus on May 14.
Operations at the Laldia Terminal began in 2024 under APM Terminals, a subsidiary of AP Moller Maersk. The investment figure, initially projected between USD 300-400 million, has now doubled.
A separate committee is also exploring the establishment of a free trade zone in Anwara to complement the region’s industrial expansion goals.
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