RAB detains Chattogram port movement coordinator Ibrahim Khokon

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) detained Md Ibrahim Khokon, a key coordinator of the Chattogram Port Protection Struggle Council, from the port area on Monday evening.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) of Chattogram Metropolitan Police Aminur Rashid confirmed the matter to The Daily Sun.

“RAB detained him and handed him over to Bandar Police Station. Police will take further action after verification,” Rashid said.

Port workers under the banner of the Port Nationalist Labour Party launched work stoppages at Chattogram Port from 31 January to protest the government’s move to lease out the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to foreign operators. The workers later continued the programme under the banner of the Chattogram Port Protection Struggle Council, where Khokon emerged as one of the leading organisers.

Earlier, the council observed a work stoppage of eight hours a day for six consecutive days, demanding, among other issues, the cancellation of the NCT lease. The organisation later announced an indefinite strike from 8am on Sunday.

However, the council called off the strike late Sunday night after the government announced that it would not sign any contract related to the terminal lease during the interim government’s tenure.