HC fixes next hearing  on split verdict Jan 20

CHATTOGRAM, Jan 13: The High Court (HC) on Tuesday fixed the next hearings on the split verdict on leasing out of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) to UAE-based DP World.

The HC bench held the second day of hearings on Tuesday and fixed January 20 to resume the proceedings, said Advocate Shahnewaz Manir Law officer of the CPA.

According to CPA law department sources, the High Court allowed three organisations to place arguments on a writ petition on the next hearing date.

The bench of Justice Zafar Ahmed permitted berth operator Shahdat Hossain, dock workers' leader Toslim Uddin Selim, and Students' Sovereignty to present arguments before the court through their lawyers Barristers Nasir Uddin Ahmed Ashim, Saqeb Mahbub and AKM Fayez, respectively.

The writ petition was originally filed by Bangladesh Jubo Arthanitibid Forum, a philanthropic organisation. On July 30, another High Court bench issued a rule asking authorities to explain why awarding the NCT's container handling contract to DP World without holding an open tender should not be declared illegal.

After a split verdict on December 4 last year, the then Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed assigned the case to the HC bench of Justice Zafar Ahmed for final disposal. The chief justice's office had sent the matter the bench of Justice Zafar Ahmed on December 17.

On that day, Justice Fatema Najib declared the government's decision to begin the contract process with DP World illegal, while her junior bench colleague, Justice Fatema Anwar, rejected the writ petition.