Foreign control of New Mooring Terminal threatens economy, sovereignty: Anu

Anu Muhammad, a prominent economist and professor, expressed serious concerns about proposals to grant foreign investors operational control of the New Mooring Terminal, cautioning that such arrangements could compromise Bangladesh's strategic maritime assets and long-term economic independence.

Muhammad argued that critical port infrastructure should remain under domestic control to safeguard the country's interests and prevent foreign powers from gaining leverage over key economic chokepoints. He highlighted the risks of ceding management authority over a facility that plays a vital role in the nation's maritime trade and revenue generation.

The economist's remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the terminal's development and operational framework. Policy experts have increasingly emphasized the importance of maintaining national oversight of major infrastructure projects, particularly those with implications for trade, defense, and resource security.

The New Mooring Terminal, situated in the Port of Chattogram, is considered strategically important for Bangladesh's shipping sector and broader economic objectives. Debates over its governance structure reflect broader concerns within Bangladesh about balancing the need for foreign investment and technical expertise with the imperative to protect sovereign control of critical national assets.