Bangladesh DP World port deal sparks police charge

Bangladesh and Dubai-based port operator DP World signed a 15-year deal to operate a key container terminal at the main port of Chattogram, as police charged with batons to disperse protesters outside the signing venue.

The agreement covers the New Mooring Container Terminal, which handles more than 40 percent of Chattogram port's container traffic, Bangladesh's BSS news agency reported on October 8.

BSS said DP World will make an upfront payment of about $49 million and invest more than $81 million over the first 10 years to modernise the terminal.

Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said at the signing ceremony, according to BSS, that modern equipment, digital systems, international operating standards and global logistics connections would make the terminal more competitive.

The deal has drawn opposition from port unions. A crowd rallied outside the Invest Bangladesh office where the signing took place before police charged with batons and dispersed the rally.

“The government kept people in the dark regarding the treaty, so we protested,” leftist leader Manisha Chakraborty said. She said at least 20 activists were injured.

Bangladesh, the world's second-largest garment exporter, relies heavily on Chattogram port, also called Chittagong, for most of its imports and exports. In November 2025, Bangladesh signed a 30-year concession with Danish shipping group APM Terminals to operate another container terminal at Chattogram.