Civil society leaders, labour organisations and political activists staged a protest rally and formed a human chain in front of the Chattogram Press Club on Wednesday, demanding an immediate halt to government initiatives to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and Chattogram Container Terminal (CCT) to foreign or domestic private operators.
The demonstration, organised under the banner of the Port Protection Committee, Chattogram, was presided over by Convener Delwar Majumder and moderated by Member Secretary Fazlul Kabir Mintu. Poet and journalist Abul Momen attended as the chief guest.
Addressing the rally, Abul Momen said powerful nations were expanding their spheres of influence over Bangladesh’s critical infrastructure amid the current global geopolitical climate.
“They are constantly seeking loopholes to exploit our weak state structures and dictate domestic policy-making. To defend our independence, sovereignty and national economic security, the public must remain vigilant and united,” he said.
He added that public consensus, national interest and long-term economic stability should take precedence over external pressure in decisions involving key national assets.
Speakers described Chattogram Port as the country’s principal gateway for foreign trade and said the management of the NCT and CCT should remain transparent and publicly accountable. They alleged that the lease process was being pursued in undue haste without consulting stakeholders, maritime experts, dock workers or civil society.
The committee called on the government to cancel the leasing process and instead modernise the port through state investment, advanced technology and the development of local manpower.
