The Chattogram wing of Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP) launched its planned blockade of Chattogram port at 10:00am on Wednesday.
Members of the SKOP took position at three key points of the port city – Seamen’s Hostel, Toll Plaza Road and Baro Pool – to enforce the programme, which continued until 1:00pm.
The national federation of workers’ unions had previously announced the blockade in protest of a move to lease Chattogram port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to the Dubai-based DP World.
Speaking from Baro Pool intersection, Fazlul Kabir, a leader of the SKOP said workers of the port and other organisations are occupying the roads, with no vehicles allowed to move.
Earlier on Monday morning, the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) held a meeting with SKOP members, explaining the rationale behind leasing the NCT to DP World.
Officials of the CPA cited assurances by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, and the government of Dubai regarding the handover.
However, SKOP leaders said discussions ended without resolution, prompting them to continue with the blockade.
The SKOP also strongly objected a remark by Ashiq Chowdhury, chief executive officer of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, made during the recent lease signing of Laldia Char and Pangaon.
Chowdhury had said that the NCT agreement would be finalised within seven days, but the SKOP maintains that the current interim government has “no moral or legal authority” to implement such a major strategic decision.
SKOP leaders added they have been protesting for more than six months, with the movement now having drawn support from the broader labour community, several political groups, and the public.
The NCT has long been operated by local firm Saif Powertech. Amid the transition to DP World, the Navy-run Chittagong Dry Dock Limited has been managing the terminal on an interim six-month arrangement. The CDDL-CPA contract expires on 7 January.
