Strike at Ctg port continues, 24-hrs shutdown from Tuesday

Operations at Chattogram Port remain largely paralysed as workers and employees intensified protests against the decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal to a foreign company.

A continuous 24-hour full strike will begin from 8 am on Tuesday, marking the third consecutive day of disruption at the port.

Port authorities recently transferred 16 employees in an attempt to curb the movement, but protesters announced tougher programmes as the transfers and lease process were not cancelled.

At a press briefing, Port Protection Movement Council coordinator Humayun Kabir demanded the dismissal and legal action against BIDA executive chairman Ashiq Chowdhury, port chairman SM Moniruzzaman and director administration Omar Faruk.

Authorities transferred 16 employees to Pangaon and Kamalapur ICDs in Dhaka, though none have joined their new posts and remain active in the protest.

While authorities claim the transfers were routine administrative measures, protesters alleged they were meant to suppress the movement.

The protest began on Saturday against the government’s decision to lease the terminal to UAE-based DP World, which protesters fear threatens national sovereignty and economic security.

The 24-hour strike is expected to completely halt port operations, raising serious concerns over disruption to imports, exports and the national supply chain.