Strategic Sovereignty Sparks Debate Over Foreign Control in Critical Infrastructure
Experts have expressed concern over increasing foreign dominance in strategic infrastructure sectors such as seaports, airports, and energy in the country. They stated that in such sectors, a minimum of 51 percent local ownership and mandatory technology transfer must be ensured in the case of foreign investment.
The demand was raised on Tuesday, 19 May, at a policy roundtable discussion organized by the Center for Strategic Research at a hotel in the capital. The discussion, titled “Priority of Domestic Investment in Strategic Assets,” featured a keynote paper presented by Shakib Anowar.
The paper stated that in many cases, under the guise of foreign direct investment, domestic funds and loans are being used. Of the 170 million dollars investment by a foreign operator in the Patenga Container Terminal, 100 million dollars came from loans from domestic and regional banks and financial institutions.
Shakib Anowar said that if domestic entrepreneurs are given opportunities, they are capable of delivering international-standard services. As examples, he highlighted the productivity of the Bangladesh Navy’s CDDL in operating NCT at Chattogram Port and the revenue proposal of the MGH Group.
The paper further stated that long-term agreements for the Laldiya and Pangaon terminals were completed in just 13 days without international tender. However, according to international standards, such processes should take significantly longer.
Speakers at the discussion said that foreign companies are lobbying at high levels to secure ground handling services for the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. However, there is no effective dialogue between the government and domestic companies.
They said the goal is not to oppose foreign investment, but to strengthen domestic capacity through technology partnerships. They demanded that majority local ownership be made mandatory in joint ventures.
Participants in the discussion included Planning State Minister Zunaid Saki, Member of Parliament Fazle Huda Babul, Nagarik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Sujon Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar, CAB President Abu Alam Shahid Khan, former Secretary Shafik Zaman, former Director of BSCIC Abu Taher Khan, Dhaka Steam Adviser Editor Hasan Mamun, Chief Executive Officer of Dhaka Steam Colonel (Retd.) Md. Sohel Rana, Coordinator of the Center for Strategic Research Sabuj H Chowdhury, FCA, ATJF General Secretary Baten Biplob, and Program Director of the Center for Strategic Research Ektandar Hossain Howlader.
Speakers cited examples from the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, saying that policies ensuring majority local ownership in strategic sectors do not hinder foreign investment. Rather, they help in long-term development of technology and skills.
Finally, recommendations were made to ensure equal opportunities for domestic companies in open tenders for strategic infrastructure investments and to establish an independent port regulatory authority free from political influence.
DBTech/SSC/MUM/OR
