The Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP) will hold a torch procession in the city on 5 December demanding an end to the process of leasing Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to the United Arab Emirates-based company DP World.
SKOP announced the new programme on Wednesday after ending its port blockade held with the same demand.
The organisation began the blockade at 10am. Although it was scheduled to continue until 1pm, they shortened the programme at the request of the administration.
SKOP leader Fazlul Kabir told the Times of Bangladesh, “We began our pre-announced blockade from the morning. Workers and employees occupied the road during this time. When the administration requested, we ended the programme at 12 noon.”
He also said that SKOP will hold a torch procession in the city on 5 December with the same demand.
Earlier, workers and employees took position at three locations in Chattogram city centring the blockade. SKOP leaders gathered at Miler Matha (Seamen’s Hostel), the Toll Road toll plaza gate and the Baro Pool area with the same demand.
The NCT had long been operated by the local firm Saif Powertech. During the period of handing over the terminal to the new company, the Navy-run Chittagong Dry Dock Limited was tasked with operating it for six months. The contract between Chittagong Dry Dock Limited and the Chattogram Port Authority will expire on 7 January.
