Dhaka, Mar 12 (V7N) – The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has upheld the High Court’s verdict, confirming that the ongoing process of the Chittagong Port Authority’s (CPA) agreement with a foreign company to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) is valid.

The ruling, issued by a bench headed by Chief Justice Md. Zafar Ahmed, came after the court dismissed a petition challenging the High Court’s decision. This clears the way for the CPA to continue its agreement with the foreign operator without legal obstacles.

Earlier, the High Court had given a divided verdict on December 4 last year: Senior Justice Fatema Najeeb declared the agreement process illegal, while Junior Justice Fatema Anwar upheld its validity. A subsequent petition was dismissed on January 29, questioning the ongoing agreement process.

With the Appellate Division’s confirmation, the Chittagong Port Authority can now proceed with the operation of the NCT under the existing agreement, marking a significant development for the port’s expansion and foreign investment initiatives.

END/SMA/AJ