“High Court Dismisses Challenge to DP World Contract”

The High Court has dismissed a legal challenge against the government’s decision to grant a contract to UAE-based DP World for container operations at the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) in Chattogram. Justice Zafar Ahmed ruled on the case after listening to arguments from legal representatives. The full details of the court’s decision will be available upon the release of the complete verdict. The petitioner’s lawyer, Barrister Md Anwar Hossen, mentioned plans to appeal the High Court’s ruling at the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. The Bangladesh Jubo Arthanitibid Forum, a charitable organization, initiated the petition as a public interest lawsuit last year. In a related legal action, a separate High Court bench had previously issued a directive requiring explanations as to why awarding the NCT container handling contract to DP World without a competitive tender process should not be deemed unlawful. The case was assigned to Justice Zafar Ahmed by the former Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed for final resolution in December. The matter was forwarded to Justice Zafar Ahmed by the chief justice’s office on December 17 following a conflicting ruling by a two-judge bench on December 4. While Justice Fatema Najib deemed the government’s initiation of the contract with DP World as unauthorized, Justice Fatema Anwar dismissed the writ petition. The case, along with the differing opinions, was then referred to the chief justice for a decision. The HC bench led by Justice Zafar Ahmed scheduled today for announcing the verdict after concluding discussions. Senior lawyer Ahsanul Karim, with assistance from Barrister Anwar Hossen, represented the petitioner, while Barrister Nasir Uddin Ahmed Ashim advocated for berth operator Shahdat Hossain. Additional Attorney General Aneek R Haque represented the state throughout the proceedings.