The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has imposed a ban on overseas travel for 15 employees and initiated an investigation into their movable and immovable assets. The move follows protests against the decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign operator.
In a letter signed by Port Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim on Thursday, the authority requested the Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping to take necessary measures.
The CPA also urged the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the National Security Intelligence (NSI) to investigate the accused individuals for alleged involvement in anarchy and anti-state activities during recent agitations,.
The letter, titled ‘Ban on foreign travel and investigation of movable and immovable assets of employees creating anarchy in the name of movement,’ noted that these 15 staff members were transferred to Mongla and Payra ports on 2 February. The authority has requested relevant agencies to ensure these individuals do not leave the country while investigations into their wealth are ongoing.
The employees named include Md Humayun Kabir, coordinator of the Chittagong Port Raksha Sangram Parishad and Jatiyatabadi Port Shramik Dal; Md Ibrahim Khokon; Md Faridur Rahman; Mohammad Shafi Uddin; Rashidul Islam; Abdullah Al Mamun; Md Zahirul Islam; Khandaker Masuduzzaman; Md Humayun Kabir; Md Shakil Raihan; Manik Mizhi; Md Shamsu Mia; Md Liaquat Ali; Aminur Rasul Bulbul; and Md Rabbani.
The Chittagong Port Raksha Sangram Parishad had been observing a strike to protest the plan to lease the NCT to DP World. Movement leaders claimed that the situation deteriorated because the port authority transferred employees suddenly without prior discussion.
On Thursday afternoon, following a meeting with Shipping Adviser M Sakhawat Hossain, coordinator Md Humayun Kabir announced a two-day suspension of the strike, warning that the protest would resume on Sunday if the assurances were not implemented.
Attempts to contact the port authority’s spokesperson and Director (Administration) Md Omar Faruq for comment were unsuccessful.
