An indefinite strike began at Chattogram Port on Sunday in protest against the proposed lease of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to DP World.
As the strike took effect, all port operations came to a halt, including container handling, delivery from yards, lifting containers from vessels, and unloading goods at the outer anchorage.
Leaders of the Chattogram Bondar Rokkha Porishad said the strike was launched after earlier protest programs failed to draw any positive response from the authorities.
They alleged that attempts were made late Saturday night to weaken the strike, which they strongly condemned.
Ibrahim Khokon, coordinator of the Chattogram Bondar Rokkha Porishad, said they were demanding cancellation of the NCT lease process with DP World and removal of those involved in what they described as “pressure tactics” to push the agreement forward.
Earlier, the parishad held a press conference at the Chattogram Press Club announcing the fresh program on Saturday.
Port workers had been observing an eight-hour daily strike since January 31. Following a meeting with Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain, the program was suspended for two days on Friday and Saturday.
However, as no resolution emerged from the discussions, the strike resumed Sunday morning for an indefinite period.
Meanwhile, in response to the situation, the Chittagong Port Authority called an emergency meeting with workers and employees on Sunday morning. Around 200 employees from different departments were asked to attend.
