Chattogram Port workers call off strike

Workers at Chattogram Port have called off their indefinite strike protesting the planned lease of the New Mooring Container Terminal to DP World.

The strike was called off after the government assured that the lease agreement would not be signed during the interim government’s tenure.

Mohammad Ibrahim Khokon, one of the coordinators of the Chattogram Port Protection Movement Council, announced the decision around 12:30am on Monday (February 9).

"Considering the continuity of import-export trade, the upcoming Ramadan and the national elections, the Port Protection Movement Council decided to suspend the strike," he said.

Fazle Ikram Chowdhury, president of the Berth Operators, Ship Handling Operators, and Terminal Operators Owners Association, said workers resumed duties in the 8:00am shift on eight ships at the General Cargo Berth (GCB), leading to the resumption of cargo and container handling operations.

Ship handling operators also confirmed that the transfer of cargo from mother vessels to lighter ships at outer anchorages has gradually begun returning to normal.

Meanwhile, the port authorities have suspended 17 striking workers including three who were taken into custody.

Besides, the authorities have ordered the handover of government-allocated housing for 15 union leaders.

"If other demands, including the withdrawal of punitive measures, are not met, a new programme will be announced on February 15," Khokon added.

The port workers started the indefinite strike from Sunday morning, demanding the cancellation of the planned DP World lease for NCT and raising three other demands.

Later Ashik Chowdhury, CEO of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) authority and the Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) announced that the interim government would not sign any lease agreement with the DP World during its tenure.