CPB urges mass action to block hasty transfer of strategic national assets

The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) has called on citizens to launch nationwide protests to prevent the rushed transfer of strategic national assets, including ports, to multinational companies.

The party criticised the interim government for taking unconstitutional steps against national interests.

CPB leaders Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan and Abdullah Qafi Ratan announced protest programmes under the Left Democratic Alliance, including a nationwide demonstration on November 23, a labour convention in Chattogram on November 22, and the “Jamuna March” on December 4.

The party highlighted ongoing deals such as the 33-year concession of Chittagong’s Laldia terminal to a Dutch company, the 22-year management of Dhaka’s Pangao terminal by a Swiss firm, and the hurried transfer of the profitable New Mooring terminal to DP World.

CPB stressed that Bangladesh must strengthen its own capacity through transparent, efficient, and modernized port management rather than ceding control to foreign firms.

The party warned that legal action may be necessary to challenge the validity of these agreements and called for investigations into the expedited contract processes, especially given geopolitical implications.