Shipping minister rules out scrapping Laldia Container Terminal agreement

He says the terminal will boost Chittaging Port's capacity, create jobs and facilitate technology transfer

The Laldia Container Terminal agreement with Denmark-based APM Terminals will remain intact, Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has told parliament, ruling out any plan to cancel or renegotiate the deal.

Responding to a question from BNP lawmaker Md Shahadat Hossain on Monday, the minister said the $550 million project provides for three years of construction and an initial 30-year operating period, with a possible 15-year extension.

Shahadat alleged the terminal had been leased out under a “lopsided agreement” and asked whether the government intended to sign a new deal.

Rabiul said the concession agreement was signed transparently under the Public-Private Partnership Act as part of a government-to-government PPP arrangement between Bangladesh and Denmark.

He outlined the project's timeline, beginning with a 2021 memorandum of understanding, followed by APM Terminals' proposal in 2023, Cabinet approval, PPP reviews, IFC's appointment as transaction advisor, and final approvals before the agreement was signed on Nov 17, 2025.

The terminal, to be built on vacant port land, will increase Chittagong Port’s capacity, generate employment and enable technology transfer, he said.