Management of ports
Rezaul Huq, Lalmatia, Dhaka
Recently, I had the opportunity of passing through the international airport of Dhaka and felt so bad. Let alone providing comfort, the airport doesn't provide the minimum facilities that the passengers need. One will have the impression that there is no management. Dhaka and Chittagong airports are infamous for smuggling, transfer of cash foreign currency, pilferage of home bound passengers' belongings etc. The domestic airports are no exception.There is no alternative to placement of management of airports to private or foreign management companies as the airports serve as mirror of the country. To encourage foreign investors and greater number of tourists in the country, the UPA Government of India has recently reached an agreement with a private sector consortium for management of New Delhi and Mumbai airports and upon observing their performance other imports shall be handed over in phases. The US government had many years ago transferred management of both air and seaports to private management, of which a British Company named Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co. Ltd (P&O) has been managing six seaports including New York. The P&O has recently been sold to Dubai Ports World, a company owned by the government of UAE. The company has not yet taken over management of those seaports but both Democrat and Republican Senators have already suggested cancellation of the contract as they fear security of their country might be jeopardized owing to management of Vital Ports by a Muslim State. The reasons for transfer of management are very simple. All the governments are mainly trying to ensure private sector participation to help the country grow rapidly reducing workload of the governments and combat corruption. In the process, revenue earnings of the governments grow which in turn could be utilised for development of infrastructures. The government in order to create an ideal situation for foreign investment as a test case, signed an agreement with Thai Airlines for management of Chittagong airport but could not deliver physical possession due to resistance by a section of officials fearing loss of jobs supported by a powerful political lobby. Recently,the Chittagong Port Authority held a meeting with Port labour leaders and Port Dock Workers and Employees Association for preparation of international tender documents for appointment of a company for management and operation of the new container terminal at Chittagong. Immediately came objection from the Mayor who threatened to shut down activities of the port if management of the container terminal was transferred to a private management group. As an elected representative, the Honourable Mayor should carefully consider the situation and support activities that are development-friendly.
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