A two-day strike protesting the proposed lease of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port to Dubai-based DP World began on Saturday, bringing all port operations to a halt.
The strike, called by the Chittagong Port Jatiotabadi Sramik Dal and the port’s former Collective Bargaining Agent (CBA), is being observed from 8am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
During this period, all administrative and operational activities at the country’s principal seaport have been suspended.
Leaders of the Sramik Dal, including Ibrahim Khokon and Humayun Kabir, said workers and employees have stopped all forms of work as part of the protest.
“All administrative and operational activities of the port will remain closed from 8am to 4pm on Sunday as well,” Kabir said.
He added that if the government does not reconsider its decision, further protest programmes would be announced on Sunday afternoon.
Port operations, including cargo handling and transportation, have remained suspended since Saturday morning. No cargo-laden vehicles were seen leaving the port, while an estimated 10,000 workers and employees have joined the strike.
The programme was announced earlier at a press conference held on Thursday morning at a restaurant in the Agrabad area of the port city. Several organisations, including the Port Protection Council and Sramik Karmakar Oikya Parishad (SKOP), have expressed solidarity with the protest.
Demonstrating workers alleged that the government has completed the process of handing over a key terminal of Chattogram Port to DP World.
“We will not allow the port’s vital facilities to be handed over to foreign entities under any circumstances,” they said.
Attempts to contact Chittagong Port Authority spokesperson and Director (Administration) Md Omar Faruk for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to phone calls.
