Chattogram Port Protection Committee protests against leasing of NCT, CCT

The Chattogram Port Protection Committee has staged a protest against the government's move to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and Chattogram Container Terminal (CCT) to Dubai-based DP World. The organisation has announced a sit-in programme in front of the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) building on October 5, demanding cancellation of the proposed lease.

The protest procession started from Barik Building Mor in the city around 11am on Monday, September 14. The protesters later held a rally at the same spot. After the rally, they marched towards the port, chanting slogans demanding cancellation of the lease proposal and protection of the interests of Chattogram Port.

Leaders of various labour organisations and political parties said at the rally that NCT and CCT are strategically important national assets. These terminals should not be handed over to any foreign operator through long-term leasing.

Tapan Dutta, president of the Trade Union Centre's (TUC) Chattogram district committee, said Chattogram Port is one of the main foundations of Bangladesh's economy and foreign trade. Handing over important terminals of the port to a foreign company cannot be in the national interest.

He said any decision to lease the terminals should take into account national interest, workers' rights and national security. Describing the port's assets and infrastructure as public property, he called upon workers and the public to build a united movement against such initiatives.

AM Nazim Uddin, president of the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal's Chattogram divisional committee, said the port is not just a commercial institution; it is a strategic installation linked to the country's economy, national interest and sovereignty.

He said if a foreign company is given long-term control over NCT and CCT in the name of terminal operations, it could have serious consequences in the future. He also demanded increased transparency and accountability in port management and urged the government to reconsider the lease proposal.

Taslim Hossain Selim, general secretary of the Dock Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, described NCT as one of the country's most modern and profitable installations built with domestic investment. He claimed that leasing the terminal would negatively impact the national economy and create concerns over national security and sovereignty.

Delwar Majumder, convener of the Chattogram Port Protection Committee, described NCT and CCT as a "golden egg-laying duck" that brings huge benefits to the country. He said a particular interest group is trying to swallow the entire duck. Such an initiative will not be accepted in the national interest.

Delwar Majumder said they had tried to draw the government's attention through peaceful programmes. However, as there was no response from the government, they were forced to take to the streets. He called on the government to announce that NCT and CCT will not be leased before the movement spreads further.

After the rally, the protesters marched towards the port, chanting slogans demanding cancellation of the lease proposal and protection of the interests of Chattogram Port. As the next programme, the Chattogram Port Protection Committee has announced a sit-in in front of the Chattogram Port building on October 5.