Dhaka, Nov. 10 -- Shipping Advisor M Shakhawat Hussain has said container terminal handovers to foreign operators are under discussion, but pledged no terminal will be transferred on terms that harm Bangladesh's interests.

He added the government would only proceed if operations, revenue and oversight "clearly benefit the country".

Speaking to journalists on Monday after inaugurating the Laldia Char Container Yard in Patenga, the advisor said: "Negotiations are ongoing with APM Terminals regarding the construction and operation of the Laldia Container Terminal. Meetings are being held."

He said the government, however, did not agree to give what the 'APM Terminals' is asking for.

"But no terminal will be given to anyone in a way that ...