Dhaka, Sept. 8 -- Economist Prof Anu Muhammad on Tuesday said the government's proposed handover of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chittagong Port to a foreign operator without a tender could put the state at risk, describing the argument that Bangladesh lacks the capacity to operate strategic infrastructure as a "54-year-old deception."

"It is a matter of shame for the current government that the name of DP World, the same company that surfaced in the name of investment at Chittagong Port during the Awami League era, has resurfaced," he said.

Although the slogan "Bangladesh First" is being voiced, Anu Muhammad said, "in reality, the old vulture has taken control over the port."

He made the remarks while speaking at a roun...