Bangladesh Retracts Port Deal Amid Intensified Protests Ahead of Election

• Bangladesh has withdrawn its plan to lease a major container terminal at Chattogram to a foreign operator.
• The decision follows intensified protests and an indefinite shutdown by dockers ahead of the February 12 election.
• The deal, involving the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and Dubai-based DP World, was nearing its final stage.
• Officials stated that discussions would likely continue under the next government after the election.
• The NCT handles 40% of Bangladesh's international trade, and the strike severely disrupted vessel movements.