Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Mustafizur Rahman Iran has expressed deep concern over what he described as secretive and non-transparent discussions regarding the possible transfer of operational control of Laldia and Pangaon ports to foreign entities. In a statement issued today, 21 November (Friday), signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary Md. Monir Hossain Khan, Iran said that handing over such strategic port operations through a confidential or opaque process poses a serious threat to the country’s national sovereignty and economic security.

Iran further stated that ports are not merely commercial facilities; they are strategic national assets. Any secret negotiations or hurried decisions involving them could create significant risks for the nation. He emphasized that Bangladesh has the expertise and capacity to operate its own ports. While international technical assistance may be sought when necessary, he asserted that control and decision-making authority must remain in the hands of the state, not foreign companies.

Calling for the immediate cancellation of any secret arrangements or non-transparent agreements, Iran said the people of Bangladesh will not accept confidential deals involving national assets. He reiterated that Laldia and Pangaon ports belong to the nation and must remain under state ownership and oversight. He also urged the authorities to maintain full transparency in this matter and to disclose all relevant information to the public.