Dhaka, Oct. 11 -- Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has said Bangladesh is formulating a National Port Strategy in the "broader national interest" amid protests over the decision to hand over the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign company.

"The National Port Strategy is being formulated with the broader national interest, economic progress and the expansion of international trade in mind," he said at a seminar organised by the ministry at a Dhaka hotel on Sunday.

A large part of Bangladesh's imports, exports and economic activities is linked to the management of seaports, river ports and land ports, he said.

"Therefore, ensuring coordination, efficiency and effective strategies in port management is now a necessity."...