Students for Sovereignty, a student-led nationalist organization at Dhaka University, issued a strong warning on November 23 regarding the interim government’s move to transfer parts of the Chittagong Port-including Laldia Char and the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT)-to foreign operators under concession or lease agreements. The group held an emergency press conference at the iconic Madhur Canteen at 3 p.m., condemning what it described as a “suicidal decision” that could endanger Bangladesh’s economy, national sovereignty, and future geopolitical position.

During the press conference, the organization outlined seven major concerns, arguing that the proposed deals with DP World and APM Terminals-companies they claim operate in alignment with the strategic interests of foreign countries and the United States-pose long-term risks for Bangladesh. They stressed that such decisions must not be made without transparency, parliamentary oversight, and broad national consensus.

Muhammad Jingaul Haque, the group’s convener, delivered the main address, accompanied by joint convener Muhiuddin Rahat and several other student activists. The speakers characterized Chittagong Port as “the economic and security heartbeat of Bangladesh,” warning that foreign control over such a critical facility would create vulnerabilities far greater than any perceived economic gains.

1. Fear of Sovereignty erosion and foreign interference

The first point presented by the group focused on national security concerns. According to Students for Sovereignty, allowing foreign companies to operate the port could give outside powers leverage over Bangladesh’s domestic and foreign policies. They argued that in critical moments-such as periods of political instability or external pressure-these operators could become “obstacles” to sovereign decision-making.

They warned that ports operated by foreign entities might be used for strategic or military purposes without Bangladesh’s ability to intervene effectively. Citing international examples, the speakers alleged that private global port operators have previously been linked to political manipulation, support for separatist groups, or facilitation of military surveillance in various regions, including Sudan.
They accused certain international companies of being capable of exploiting geopolitical tensions to trigger internal divisions or civil conflicts, stating that “imperialist powers always search for strategic footholds in vulnerable states.”

The students further claimed that if foreign operators were allowed unrestricted control, they could “even dare to redraw the map of the country” by taking advantage of a crisis, especially in the sensitive Chittagong region bordering Myanmar and the Bay of Bengal.

2. Economic consequences and loss of national revenue

The second point dealt with economic risks. The organization stressed that around 90 percent of Bangladesh’s imports and exports pass through Chittagong Port, making it essential to the everyday lives of the Bangladeshi population. If foreign operators take over, they alleged, a significant share of port-generated revenue-currently contributing directly to national reserves-would instead flow abroad.

This, they argued, would not only weaken the country’s foreign exchange reserves but also shrink domestic opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. The group warned that tariff increases imposed by foreign operators could lead to higher prices for essential commodities, contributing to inflation and economic hardships for ordinary citizens.

According to the speakers, local management capacity-built over decades-would deteriorate under foreign dominance, reducing Bangladeshis to mere employees rather than owners of national infrastructure. They warned of a future where domestic private companies collapse under pressure from foreign corporate giants, ultimately transforming Bangladesh’s young workforce into “a slave class loyal to foreign employers.”

3. Cultural disruptions and social concerns

The third concern raised by Students for Sovereignty related to cultural and social impacts. They alleged that a large-scale influx of foreign personnel into port operations could lead to increased “anti-social activities,” comparing the potential scenario to elements depicted in the fictional film No-Dara. The organization also criticized the progressive social stances of DP World and APM Terminals, particularly their support for LGBTQ rights, and claimed that these companies might pressure Bangladesh’s government to adopt laws that contradict local cultural and religious values.

4. Misleading comparisons with Singapore and Vietnam

Students for Sovereignty argued that the government was spreading “false and misleading propaganda” by comparing the proposed Chittagong Port agreements to the port management systems of Singapore and Vietnam.

They stressed that all three container terminals in Singapore are operated solely by Singaporean authorities, with no foreign ownership or operational control. According to them, Singapore maintains complete control over port management due to national security priorities and economic interests.

Regarding Vietnam, the students explained that although Vietnam has around 270 ports-with 45 of them being seaports-almost all are operated domestically. In certain terminals, such as Cai Mep, Vietnam has allowed joint ventures where foreign companies operate alongside Vietnamese partners. However, they emphasized that no terminal is controlled entirely by foreign companies, unlike what Bangladesh is reportedly planning.
The students argued that citing Singapore or Vietnam as justification for foreign leases “is a distortion of facts.”

5. Corruption and capacity issues should be addressed internally

The fifth point questioned the logic of inviting foreign companies under the pretext of preventing corruption or improving capacity. Students for Sovereignty argued that corruption exists in many sectors of Bangladesh, not just in port management, and thus cannot justify handing over national assets to foreign entities.

They urged the government to instead strengthen domestic institutions through training, modernization, and collaboration with international experts-without surrendering ownership or control. They further advocated for activating other seaports in Bangladesh and constructing new ports to reduce pressure on Chittagong and enhance national logistics capabilities.

6. Geopolitical risks under global alliances

Addressing geopolitics, the sixth point highlighted the Indo-Abrahamic Agreement and the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The group warned that if Bangladesh leased ports to operators linked to these alliances, the country might be drawn into geopolitical tensions benefiting India and Israel while Bangladesh suffers diplomatic and economic setbacks.
They argued that port geopolitics vary between countries, and Bangladesh must avoid becoming entangled in global strategic games.

7. Public ownership and the demand for transparency

In their final point, Students for Sovereignty emphasized that Bangladesh is a republic where national assets belong to the people, not the ruling government. They demanded full public disclosure of all agreements related to DP World, APM Terminals, and Medlog SA, calling any secretive negotiations “unacceptable and unconstitutional.”

Since the nation currently lacks a functioning parliament, the group insisted that the interim government must open the issue for public debate. To this end, they announced a call for an open public forum titled “Lease of Ports to Foreigners: Profits and Losses” to be held at the open grounds of TSC, Dhaka University.

The press conference concluded with a warning: any opaque or unilateral decisions involving Chittagong Port could jeopardize the country’s long-term stability. The group urged the interim government to immediately halt existing agreements, cancel pending leases, and uphold accountability to the people-a core principle of democratic governance.

Present at the press event were convener Muhammad Jingaul Haque, joint convener Muhiuddin Rahat, office members Zubayedul Islam Shihab, Abdullah Al Mahin, Jabir Bin Mahbub, and numerous other Dhaka University students supporting the movement.

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Source: Weekly Blitz :: Writings