The strike at Chattogram port remained unresolved on Thursday despite a high-level meeting chaired by Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain.
The meeting, held on Thursday morning, was attended by leaders of various port user organisations and representatives of law enforcement agencies.
However, leaders of the protesting workers were not allowed to join the discussion. After the meeting, around 1pm, Adviser Sakhawat proposed holding talks with the workers at Patenga Boat Club, but labour leaders rejected the proposal, insisting that any discussion must take place at the port building.
On his way to the meeting, the adviser’s convoy was blocked by protesters for about 15 minutes near the customs intersection. Police later formed a security cordon around the vehicles and escorted them into the port building.
As the convoy entered through the main gate, a large number of workers followed inside while chanting slogans. When the adviser stepped out of his vehicle, protesters continued shouting slogans. However, he entered the building under police and port security protection.
The Chattogram Port Protection Council has been enforcing the strike since 31 January in protest against the process of leasing the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to Dubai-based DP World.
The continuous work stoppage intensified on Wednesday morning, bringing import and export activities at the country’s principal seaport to a halt.
Humayun Kabir, coordinator of the council, said, “If the adviser wants to talk to us, the meeting must be held at the port building.”
He added that the strike will go on until a “rational solution” is reached regarding the controversy over the New Mooring Container Terminal agreement.
Fazle Ekram Chowdhury, president of the Berth Operators Association, who attended the meeting, told Times of Bangladesh that the adviser instructed law enforcement agencies to ensure adequate security to keep the port operational.
He said, “If the workers do not suspend their agitation, there is no chance of resuming port operations. A decision through dialogue with the workers is essential.”
However, the adviser is scheduled to meet leaders of the council around 2:30pm at the conference room of the port building.
News of the shipping adviser’s visit created tension among protesting workers and employees from early morning. Several hundred protesters gathered from Jetty Gate No. 4 to the customs intersection and surrounding areas.
Police, other law enforcement agencies, and port security personnel maintained a heightened presence throughout the area.
