August 14, 2025

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Authority welcomed on Wednesday a consultation mission led by Monica Mei V. Carino-Young from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to discuss innovative partnership opportunities aimed at improving the quality of life for rural communities in Bangladesh, says a press release. In the meeting with Muhammad Rafiqul Islam, Chief Executive Officer (Secretary) of the PPP Authority, the ADB delegation expressed keen interest in supporting affordable housing projects for lower and middle-income families in rural areas. The discussion centered on utilising the PPP model to attract private investment while ensuring affordability, sustainability and long-term community benefit. The ADB team also sought co-operation to explore the installation of solar power generation facilities along the N8 Highway (Dhaka- Mawa- Bhanga), which would contribute to Bangladesh's renewable energy capacity, reduce carbon emissions and promote energy access in underserved regions. Muhammad Rafiqul Islam emphasised the importance of these initiatives in aligning with Bangladesh's development priorities.

PPP Authority, ADB explore rural housing & solar energy for BD

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Authority welcomed on Wednesday a consultation mission led by Monica Mei

CHATTOGRAM, Aug 13: Chattogram port reported significant growth in its revenue income and the income surplus also increased in the fiscal year (FY) 2024-25, reflecting strong operational performance despite concerns of disruption following last year's July uprising. The port handled record container volumes, improved efficiency, and made substantial contributions to the national exchequer. According to the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA), FY25 marked the highest container handling figures in the port's 48-year history. Container throughput grew 4 per cent, with 32,96,067 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) handled-an increase of 1,27,377 TEUs from the previous year's 31,68,690 TEUs. In the 2024 calendar year, container handling rose 7.42 per cent year-on-year, while total cargo throughput grew 3.11 per cent -- both historic highs. Despite challenges, including political unrest, floods, transport strikes, and temporary customs shutdowns, vessels' waiting time was reduced to an average of just one day. CPA also reported strong financial performance, with total revenue rising 8.22 per cent to Tk 52.28 billion from Tk 48.30 billion in FY24. Even with a 9.45 per cent increase in expenditure, the revenue surplus grew 7.27 per cent, reaching Tk 29.13 billion. Over the last five years, CPA contributed Tk 72.03 billion to the national exchequer, with the highest annual contribution of Tk 17.65 billion recorded in FY25. Expansion Projects Underway The CPA is pursuing a broad modernisation and expansion programme to increase capacity and strengthen Chattogram's position as a regional trade hub. Key projects include the Bay Terminal, Matarbari Deep Sea Port, Laldia Container Terminal, New Mooring Container Terminal, the Green Channel initiative, and a CPA-facilitated Free Trade Zone. Many of these projects accelerated after the July uprising and are expected to transform Bangladesh's maritime economy. CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Monriuzzaman credited the port's success to a multi-pronged modernisation strategy, combining automation, process simplification, and infrastructure upgrades. "Chattogram port has significantly improved operational efficiency through measures like e-gate passes, online payment systems, and an upcoming online agent desk," he told The Financial Express. "We have procured new cranes, expanded draft depth, and streamlined documentation -- reducing vessel waiting time to one day on average, with 60-65 per cent of ships berthing on arrival." He added that Chattogram port handles over 90 per cent of Bangladesh's import-export trade and 98 per cent of Bangladesh-bound containers, making it the country's primary gateway to global markets. "As a centre of global connectivity, Chattogram port is critical to the sustainable economic future of Bangladesh," he said.

Ctg port sees revenue rise in FY25

CHATTOGRAM, Aug 13: Chattogram port reported significant growth in its revenue income and the income