Dhaka, April 19 -- Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has said that Bangladesh will move to an open tender process if its national interest is not safeguarded in the proposed lease of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chittaong Port to DP World.

After inspecting the NCT on Sunday, he reiterated that the country's strategic interest will remain the foremost priority in any decision regarding the lease of the country's key seaport terminal.

"[DP World] proposal carries significant positive potential. But where there is potential, there are also challenges. Any change brings both gains and losses. We are analysing all of it in detail," he said.

"We are considering this proposal while ensuring that our national interest remains...