The decision was taken at a meeting of the council of advisers with Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed in the chair.

However, the decision will be effective after the vacation of the existing court order against operating the terminal on the basis of SOT.

It was decided in the meeting that the terminal would be operated by any internationally recognised, experienced and efficient operator.

The operation of the terminal under the SOT system will largely help reduce pressure on Chittagong Port and infuse dynamism into the country's trade and business.

The meeting was informed that no further government money would be required to operate the terminal under the new system.

The council of advisers was informed that activities at Chittagong Port increased significantly with the introduction of three shifts for loading and unloading of cargo, and discipline was restored there following effective steps taken by the government.

Shipping Adviser Maj Gen (Retd) MA Matin gave a presentation on the activities of Chittagong Port at the beginning of the meeting.

Besides, the council of advisers discussed the power generation and management.

During the discussion, the advisers were informed that nearly 50,000 illegal power connections were snapped by the mobile courts and about Tk 134 crore outstanding bills were realised.

The meeting was told that 17 mobile courts are operating in the city to snap illegal power connections and take lawful action against the bill defaulters.