Dhaka, April 19 -- Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said the government will give priority to national interest in engaging any foreign operator for Chattogram Port handling.

"National interests will get priority at the time of appointing a foreign operator for goods handling at NCT of Chattogram Port," he said during a briefing after visiting NCT-5 Jetty of Chattogram Port on April 19.

It's the first visit of the Shipping Minister to Chattogram Port since taking office.

Pointing out the current agitation of the port workers against appointing a foreign operator, the minister said, "The workers may reconsider their protest if the foreign operator can contribute to the port's economic growth...