Preparatory works for the construction of Matarbari Deep Sea Port is back in full swing after facing delays over the past week as locals who are being relocated for the project have ended their protests.
Residents within the project’s parameter were seeking additional compensation for the relocation of their homes since the start of October. As tensions mounted, they started blocking workers from entering the site and thereby halted progress.
The agitation reached a boiling point last Thursday, forcing construction to stop completely until Sunday.
The suspended works included the construction of an embankment, land filling and site marking, with the protests also giving rise to security concerns for foreign engineers working at the site.
This prompted officials from the local administration, Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), Navy and Coast Guard to come mediate the situation between locals and project authorities.
Both sides then reached an understanding, allowing construction to resume.
During mediation, CPA Assistant Manager (estate) Mohammad Shihab Uddin informed the locals that 283.27 acres has already been acquired for the project and compensation for those affected has been paid.
Still, 17 families within the acquired area demanded an additional 25 percent compensation for relocation, citing precedents from other projects.
Uddin clarified that as per the Acquisition and Requisition of Immovable Property Act-2017, the district administration is responsible for determining the value and compensation of affected properties, including relocation costs.
Therefore, the CPA has no legal authority to provide additional payments beyond the approved compensation.
The CPA had paid Tk 164 crore to the district administration on March 30, 2023, to acquire the land in Maheshkhali upazila of Cox’s Bazar. The project is being jointly implemented by Japan’s Penta Ocean and Towa Corporation, with funding from Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The preparatory work includes building a jetty, terminal and container yard, along with ongoing land filling and boundary wall construction works, which began in October.
Atahar Iqbal Dadul, acting chairman of Dhalghata Union Parishad, said locals have agreed not to obstruct the project following discussions.
“We’ve also requested the port authority to prioritise local people for employment opportunities,” he added.
Taibur Rahman, in-charge of the Matarbari Coal Fired Power Plant Police Outpost, emphasised that the Matarbari project symbolises the strong friendship between Bangladesh and Japan.
He warned that any further attempt to create unrest would be dealt with firmly and urged that all local grievances be resolved through proper procedures.
Local representatives, members of the Navy, Coast Guard, non-government organisations, and consultancy firm MPCT were also present at the meeting.
