Saif Power Tech will continue to handle operations at Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT) even after the deal expires, according to Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan, the Bangladesh Financial Express reported.

Though the deal ended last weekend, the company would continue its operations as the government failed to appoint a new operator.

"We have decided that Saif Power Tech will continue the handling of Chittagong Container Terminal," Shahjahan Khan said.

The parliamentary standing committee on the shipping ministry has recommended against awarding work order to the lowest bidder, Esack Brothers, on allegations of irregularities in tender, he said.

Esack Brothers is not being given the work order as investigations are being carried out on the contract awarded to them in January this year, said Khan.

Former shipping adviser MA Matin has been implicated in the allegedly improper award of the contract to Esack Brothers.

"We are considering awarding the work order to the second bidder," Khan said.

Saif Power Tech will operate the terminal until next month.
 
 
Source: cargonewsasia