Dhaka, Dec 04 (V7N) – The High Court has delivered a split (dissenting) verdict regarding the government’s move to sign an agreement with a foreign company to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chittagong Port.

In the verdict issued by a double bench of Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Fatema Anwar on Thursday, the senior judge declared the agreement process illegal, stating that an interim government cannot sign such agreements with foreign entities. However, the junior judge dismissed the writ petition, creating a split decision.

Following the dissent, the matter will now be forwarded by the Chief Justice to a third bench for a final determination.

The verdict was scheduled after the court concluded hearings on November 25 on a rule concerning the legality of the agreement process.

During the hearing, lawyers representing the writ petitioners argued that Chittagong Port is directly linked to national security, and therefore, an interim government has no mandate to hand over operational responsibility to a foreign company without an elected government in place.

In contrast, the Attorney General defended the move, stating that involving a foreign operator is essential to safeguard national interests. He also argued that the interim government possesses the authority to proceed with such agreements.

Earlier, on July 30, the High Court issued a rule asking why the ongoing process of signing the agreement for managing the New Mooring Container Terminal should not be declared illegal.

END/SMA/AJ