The Chattogram wing of Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP) staged a daylong hunger strike on Saturday, protesting a recent decision to have foreign companies manage key infrastructure of Chattogram port.
Held in front of Chattogram Press Club from 9:00am to 4:00pm, the SKOP’s demonstration drew hundreds of port workers and officials of affiliated unions, who warned of tougher action if the decision is not scrapped.
Discussions to hire foreign operators for the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and a separate bulk cargo handling terminal at Laldia Char initially began back in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
And although the plan was set in motion by the Awami League government under Sheikh Hasina, the interim government has decided to continue the initiative.
During the protest, the SKOP leaders said they would go for a general strike, call hartals and even blockage the country’s premier seaport if needed to press home their demand.
The agitating workers also condemned a recent public notice issued by the Chattogram Metropolitan Police that banned all rallies and processions in the port city.
Emphasising that no legitimate movement can be suppressed through administrative orders or pressure, the workers declared that they would continue protesting to protect national interests as well as their rights.
Md Anwar Hossain, president of the Chattogram SKOP and Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, inaugurated the strike, which was presided over by Kazi Sheikh Nurullah Bahar, general secretary of the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Sramik Dal office in Chattogram. The programme was conducted by Fazlul Kabir Mintu, central organiser of the Trade Union Centre.
In his address, Hossain said that Chattogram port is the lifeline of the country’s economy.
Besides, the NCT was built with domestic funds and is currently the most efficient and successful container terminal in Bangladesh.
“So, handing it to a foreign operator – the Dubai-based DP World – goes against national interests and is a suicidal move. We will not accept this under any circumstance,” he added.
Tapan Dutta, president of the Trade Union Centre (TUC) in Chattogram, said it is extremely unfortunate that the interim administration is ultimately upholding the lease decision of the previous government.
“The people will not accept any conspiracy to transfer strategic national assets to foreign companies. If the lease is not cancelled, even stricter action will be taken to paralyse Chattogram,” he added.
Kazi Sheikh Nurullah Bahar, also former general secretary of the Port CBA, said it is the responsibility of the state to safeguard public resources, and not sell or lease them.
“The interim administration must ensure that power is returned to elected representatives through a free and fair election. At the same time, the harassment of port workers and attempts to intimidate them through unlawful notices must stop immediately,” he added.
As a part of the ongoing protest, a mass procession from Chattogram’s Lal Dighi ground to the old railway station is scheduled for November 8. Additionally, a workers’ convention will be held at the Chattogram Press Club on November 15.
Informing of this development, TUC chief Dutta further said that the convention of the Divisional Workers-Employees Unity Council will take place on November 15 with the participation of national leaders.
He added that future action plans will be declared at the event.
