"It will be completed within the stipulated time, by December 31, 2005," he told a workers' rally, organised by the Chittagong Port Jatyatabadi Sramik Dal (CBA) on the premises of the Bandar Bhaban.

The minister said modern machinery was being procured to modernise the Chittagong Port and bring dynamism to its operation. He urged the workers to exercise tolerance in politics and work together in the interest of the institution.

Akbar said the port's operation has improved due to sincere work of the workers and employees. "As a result, the average stay of ship in the port has been reduced to four days from six days," he added.

Chaired by Shamsul Alam, president of Chittagong Jatiyatabadi Port Sramik Dal, the rally was also addressed by Nazrul Islam Khan, president of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, Zafrul Hassan, general secretary, AM Nazimuddin, vice president, Anwar Hossain joint secretary and Sheikh Nurullah Bahar, youth secretary.