Integrated policy needed for Chattogram port: Farhad Mazhar

  Farhad Mazhar, poet, columnist and human rights activist, has stressed the need for an integrated policy focused on the country's ports, particularly Chattogram Port.

Speaking as the chief guest at a roundtable discussion, titled "Chattogram Port: Reality and Reforms", at the Chattogram Circuit House today (27 September), Farhad Mazhar said, "We need to formulate an integrated policy or a white paper focusing on the ports of Bangladesh, particularly Chattogram Port."

He stressed that the port's development should align with national interests, given its pivotal role in geopolitics and national security.

Highlighting the port's significance in the country's economy, he noted that 90% of Bangladesh's export-import activities are conducted through Chattogram Port. He said that Chattogram Port is not only a commercial hub but also a vital military and geopolitical asset.

In addressing Bangladesh's economic landscape, Farhad Mazhar argued that the country has yet to cultivate a true community of investors.

"What we currently have are exploiters. We need real investors who can elevate Bangladesh to the level of China in the next five years by investing in technology, training people, and advancing the information technology sector," he said.

He also discussed the deep-sea port at Matarbari, calling it a battleground for geopolitical interests. He stressed that the decision of whether India or China will operate the port is crucial and should not be made without thorough research and deliberation.

He further pointed out that Bangladesh has significant trade deficits with both China and India.

"With whom do we have better relations—China or India? Some may argue that China is the better option due to the potential for negotiation, technology transfer, and investment," he added.

Farhad Mazhar predicted that the Bay of Bengal would become a key arena in global power struggles and called for the people of Chattogram to remain vigilant and proactive.

He urged comprehensive studies to safeguard the future of Chattogram Port and advocated forming a committee of experts to ensure that real investors rather than opportunists play a role in the port's development.

Turning to international politics, Farhad Mazhar criticised Dr Yunus over his association with US President Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton. 

Referring to Biden as "Genocide Joe" for his role in conflicts involving women and children in Palestine, Mazhar expressed his disapproval of Yunus's international engagements.

He argued that Yunus should focus on Chattogram, his birthplace, and engage with the local people to understand their needs.

Mazhar concluded by linking these broader geopolitical issues to Chattogram Port, noting that the competition between China and the US over control of the deep-sea port is central to the region's future.

He also mentioned the ongoing Rohingya crisis and tensions with Myanmar as additional challenges for Bangladesh.

The event was organised by the Chattogram-based English daily The People's View.

Other speakers at the roundtable, moderated by The People's View Executive Editor Saleh Noman, included former member of the Chattogram Port Authority Zafar Alam, Chattogram Customs Deputy Commissioner Tarek Hasan, Vice President of the Freight Forwarders Association Khairul Alam Sujon, and Convener of the Bonchito Byabshayi Forum and former joint convener of the Chattogram Metropolitan BNP Saiful Alam.

Senior journalists Mia Mohammad Arif and Shamsuddin Illius were also present.

The speakers called for an investigation into the alleged corruption and exploitation of resources by the previous government regarding port operations.

They demanded the removal of current operators appointed by the previous regime and stressed the need for immediate reforms by the interim government to improve port services.

The roundtable was chaired by The People's View Deputy Editor Shamsad Sattar, who echoed the need for comprehensive reforms at Chattogram Port and greater transparency in the appointment of port operators.