Interim government has signed controversial long-term agreements with Denmark's APM Terminals and Switzerland's Medlog to manage Chattogram's Laldia and Pangaon container terminals, triggering fierce opposition from political parties and civil groups across Bangladesh.

Laldia Container Terminal lease spans 30 years while Pangaon's agreement runs for 22 years under public-private partnership worth Tk 6,700 crore. Agreements were signed on last Monday (November 17) at a capital's hotel, but secrecy surrounding contract terms has fuelled public anger.

Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) announced nationwide demonstrations on May 23-24. Former CPB president Mujahidul Islam Selim alleged, "He is quietly handing over Chattogram Port to American and Western companies without informing the public."

Professor Anu Muhammad from Democratic Rights Committee argued that short-term government lacks authority for such long-lasting deals. "This government should not go into any long-term contract. No government can sign any contract while keeping its terms and conditions hidden from the public," he said.

Dhaka University Economics department Professor Dr Muhammad Shahadat Hossain Siddiquee stressed transparency concerns. "Government would have done better if the port remained under Bangladesh's control. When foreign investors are involved, government must ensure their profit, and that creates competing interests," he noted.

Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal's Chattogram General Secretary Nurullah Bahar demanded immediate cancellation. "This government has no jurisdiction to sign such deals," he said.

BIDA Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury defended the decision through Facebook post, claiming it addresses corruption and reduces waiting times whilst modernising operations through enhanced technology.

Political analysts suggest controversy may intensify next week, leaving future of agreements uncertain and regular port operations facing unpredictability.