Ctg port operations halted amid 24-hour strike over NCT leasing plan

Employees and workers at Chattogram Port began a 24-hour work abstention for a fourth consecutive day on Tuesday morning in protest against the government’s decision to lease out the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to UAE-based operator DP World.

Due to the work abstention called by Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad, all operations at the country’s main seaport have come to a standstill.

Loading and unloading of containers and general cargo from vessels berthed at various jetties remain suspended, effectively paralysing port operations.

Berth operators said that, for the fourth straight day, no labour bookings had been possible and no activities were taking place at the cargo berths.

Coordinator of the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, Ibrahim Khokon, said no workers were joining duties as their legitimate demands had not been met. “Workers and employees across the port have spontaneously stopped work,” he said.

Meanwhile, workers and employees under the banner of the Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SCOP) blocked key points at Baropol and Ishak Depot in the port city, demanding that the NCT not be leased out. 

The blockade was formed around 11:00am at the Halishahar Baropol intersection, where leaders and activists gathered and obstructed movement.

Earlier, the BNP-backed Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad observed eight-hour work abstention for three consecutive days from Saturday to Monday in protest against the decision to hand over the NCT to DP World.

At the end of Monday’s programme, the platform announced a 24-hour work abstention starting from 8:00am on Tuesday.

In the meantime, protesting employees are reportedly being transferred to other locations. On Monday, 15 more employees involved in the movement were transferred to Mongla and Payra ports, according to an office order issued by the Ministry of Shipping.