Ctg port workers announce indefinite strike from tomorrow

Employees of Chattogram Port have announced an indefinite strike starting tomorrow morning in protest against the proposed leasing of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to UAE-based operator DP World.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at Chattogram Press Club at 12:30pm today by Md Humayun Kabir and Md Ibrahim Khokan, coordinators of the Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad.

The protesters placed four key demands, including the cancellation of the plan to lease out the NCT to DP World, removal of the port chairman, and a thorough investigation into allegations of corruption against him.

As part of the strike, workers said they would suspend cargo delivery from mother vessels at the port’s outer anchorage, which may significantly disrupt port operations.

Earlier, port employees had announced their decision to resume an indefinite work stoppage from tomorrow, accusing the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) of reneging on dialogue efforts and instead seeking travel bans and asset investigations against protest leaders.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad held at a club near Port Colony on Wednesday evening. Following the meeting, demonstrators marched along nearby roads and burned an effigy of the CPA chairman at around 8:00pm.

The port remained tense throughout the day as workers awaited the outcome of discussions, while port users and business communities voiced concern over potential operational disruptions.

Operations at Chattogram Port have been affected since February 3, when workers began abstaining from work in opposition to the move to hand over NCT operations to DP World.