Minister Khaleda Zia protesting the government's decision to hand over management of New Mooring Container Terminal to the private sector.

In the letter, he also submitted a 10-point recommendation, stating that a 'particular quarter' termed port services as 'expensive' which is contrary to the view of the Chittagong Port Authority.

He demanded immediate formation of a maritime council for fixing cost-based tariff for the port users after examining the allegations of that particular quarter which believes that the port services are expensive.

The mayor pointed out that nowhere in the world the major ports have been leased out to private management.

He said that even in the United States, a process is underway to bring under government control at least six ports that had been handed over to private management.

Mohiuddin also questioned the efficacy of the move.

The mayor asked who would give the guarantee that the new terminal under private management would not be turned into a safe haven for smuggling arms and heroin as it happened in case of CUFL jetty.

Mohiuddin said that the Chittagong Port now handles about eight lakh containers a year without having any modern equipment and when it is ready with modern equipment, the handling capacity of the port will go up by four times. "So there is no scope to describe the port as inefficient and ineffective," he added.

The mayor threatened to go for a tough programme if the government does not cancel the decision.

He also brought allegation of corruption against shipping minister and requested the prime minister to investigate his overall activities.