Container transportation from Chittagong Port came to a halt on Monday afternoon following an alleged assault on a worker associated with a container vehicle, triggering a standoff between transport workers and port security personnel.
The disruption began around 4pm at Gate No. 5 of the port, bringing the movement of containers by lorries, prime movers and trailers to a standstill.
A port security guard was also injured in the incident. Both injured individuals were later taken to a local hospital for treatment, according to workers.
Workers said the incident stemmed from a dispute over the issuance of entry passes. The dispute reportedly began with a verbal altercation between a port security guard and Moktar Hossain, Treasurer of Trailer Workers’ Association, before escalating into a physical confrontation.
Following the incident, drivers and workers operating container-carrying vehicles stopped transporting import and export cargo from the port.
Abul Khair, General Secretary of Prime Mover Workers’ Union, alleged that port authorities were charging Tk80 to 100 for gate passes, although the standard fee was Tk57.
He said Moktar Hossain protested when he was asked to pay the higher amount, after which port security personnel allegedly came out of the gate and assaulted him.
“After the incident at Gate No. 5, we informed the port authorities. They came and assured us that the matter would be resolved and proposed a settlement. However, when we moved towards Gate No. 4, another group confronted us aggressively. We were therefore compelled to suspend the transportation of goods,” Abul Khair said.
The work stoppage subsequently affected the movement of containers through the port, with transport workers maintaining their position until the dispute was addressed.
Chittagong Port Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim said there had been a minor verbal altercation between transport workers and port security personnel over gate passes.
“Discussions are currently underway within the port’s security department regarding the issue,” he said.
