Staff Correspondent: Highlighting the goal of transforming Bangladesh into a manufacturing country, Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, stated that enhancing the capacity of the Chittagong Port should be prioritized to increase the country’s overall potential. He noted that Chittagong Port currently has the capacity to handle 1.27 million containers annually. The target is to increase this capacity sixfold to handle 7.6 million containers. Significant changes at the port will transform Chittagong.
He made these remarks at a press conference held on Friday (May 2) at 4:30 PM in the conference room of the Chittagong Circuit House.
He added that the national election is set to be held between December and June, and the government aims to finalize significant agreements within this timeframe. A deal with a foreign company to enhance the capacity of Chittagong Port is expected to be signed by September.
At the same event, Shafiqul Alam urged professional journalists in Chittagong to form investigative teams to expose fascist collaborators who operate under the guise of journalism.
Responding to questions from journalists, he said, “We have received reports that many journalists from various newspapers and TV channels handed over our students to the police during the July movement. We need to identify these individuals and gather solid evidence against them. Mere allegations won’t suffice; there must be clear proof. The government will take action if any laws are violated.”
Regarding the Rohingya issue, he said, “This is not just a problem for Chittagong; it is a national issue for Bangladesh. Discussions are ongoing with the Myanmar government, and we hope to resolve this issue soon.”
The press conference was attended by the interim president of the Chittagong Press Club and District Commissioner Farida Khanam, interim committee member secretary of the Chittagong Press Club Zahidul Karim Kochi, Wazed Zaman, president of the Chittagong Metropolitan Journalists Union Mohammad Shahnawaz, and several journalists from various newspapers and TV channels.
