Bangladesh, Oct. 1 -- The government has given final approval for concession agreement for handing over the operation of Chittagong port's New-mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and overflow yard to international operators for an initial 15-year term.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Thursday gave final approval to the agreement, with a provision for extending the tenure, sources said.

The approval came amid prolonged protests at Chittagong port by workers and members of some leftist political parties opposing the handover of any terminal at the country's premier seaport to foreign operators.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presided over the CCEA meeting, held at the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Se...