United News of Bangladesh

Chattogram Port, the country’s largest seaport, faced severe operational disruptions on Saturday after workers went on strike to protest plans to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to Dubai-based logistics firm DP World, halting cargo handling and raising concerns over trade delays. Loading and unloading activities at multiple jetties came to a standstill, while the movement of container-laden trailers, trucks and lorries through the port’s main gate was suspended, disrupting both import and export operations, port officials and labour leaders said. The work stoppage, backed by the Nationalist Workers’ Party and several allied trade unions, began in the morning and is set to continue on Sunday, organisers said. Labour groups warned of tougher action if the leasing process is not withdrawn. Port operations were ‘almost completely stalled’ after union-backed labour organisations initiated the strike, according to port sources. Container handling at the JCB Terminal, Chattogram Container Terminal (CCT) and NCT has nearly stopped, increasing the risk of vessel congestion and higher costs as several ships remain unable to unload cargo on schedule. Despite directives from the Chattogram Port Authority banning rallies and processions, workers staged demonstrations, processions and sit-in programmes from around 11am. Security across the port area was tightened following the protests. Workers say they oppose handing over the profitable NCT to a foreign operator, citing concerns over job security and national interests. “Workers fear job losses and risks to national security if the terminal is handed over to a foreign company,” said Taslim Hossain Selim, general secretary of the Dock Nationalist Workers’ Party. Humayun Kabir, coordinator of the Bandar Rakkha Sangram Parisad, said the slowdown has already triggered concerns over mounting congestion and additional operational costs. Chattogram Port Nationalist Workers’ Party General Secretary Ibrahim Khokon said a large number of workers joined the strike, which was scheduled to continue until 4pm on Saturday, effectively paralysing normal port activities. Meanwhile, the Chattogram Port Authority issued a notice warning of disciplinary action against anyone participating in strikes, protests or demonstrations related to the NCT leasing issue. Chattogram Port handles more than 90% of Bangladesh’s seaborne trade, making any prolonged disruption a potential risk to supply chains and trade flows.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has urged the government not to allow the authorities concerned to hand over the the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at the Chittagong Port to any foreign company. Shahjahan Chowdhury, ameer of Chattogram Metropolitan unit Jamaat-e-Islami made the demand while speaking at a press conference held at Chattogram Press Club on Sunday. It also demanded that NCT operate under the port authority’s own management. "The Chittagong port is the driving force of the national economy. It handles 92% of the country’s import and export activities. NCT is currently the top revenue-generating terminal of the port. Handing over such a self-sufficient terminal to foreign hands would be a direct blow to the national economy." When briefing, the Jamaat leader said the NCT built at a cost of around Tk 2,000 crore earned Tk 1,367 crore in revenue income in the last fiscal year. It handles 55% of the port’s total cargo and the livelihoods of around 5,000 workers and staff depends on this terminal. No election before reform, Hasina’s trail: Jamaat Ameer Jamaat also alleged that former economic adviser to the Sheikh Hasina-led government Salman F Rahman, played an active role in the move to transfer NCT operations to foreign companies, prioritising the financial interests of the Sheikh family over national interest. He also claimed that this move is a repetition of the “conspiracy” that saw the Patenga Container Terminal handed over to a foreign firm, despite NCT being a profitable, technologically advanced and efficient terminal that can be operated without any new investment. Clarifying their opinion, the Jamaat leader said that they are not against foreign investment, but such investment should be directed towards new projects and greenfield developments—such as economic zones and the Bay Terminal area. Principal Nurul Amin, secretary of the city unit Jamaat-e-Islami along with several other leaders, were present at the press conference.      

Leaders of several political parties have warned of street protests if the government moves forward with the plan to hand over the New Mooring Container Terminal of Chittagong Port to foreign companies. Speaking at a protest rally organised by 'Desh Bachao, Bandar Bachao Andolan' in front of the Jatiya Press Club on Wednesday, they accused the government of conspiring to lease key national assets to foreign interests. The rally drew participation from leaders of various political organisations, including the Biplobi Workers Party, Gono Adhikar Parishad, Bangladesh Jatiya Dal, Gono Forum, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), Bangladesh LDP, and Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Bangladesh. Ctg port, airport to fully operate from today Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Biplobi Workers Party, criticised the ongoing activities concerning the Chittagong Port, saying that thousands of crores of taka are transacted daily through the New Mooring Container Terminal, generating significant revenue for the state. He alleged that there is a conspiracy to hand over control of this vital infrastructure to foreign entities. Issuing a 72-hour ultimatum to the interim government’s shipping adviser, Saiful Haque demanded the suspension of any agreements with the Dubai-based company allegedly involved. He warned, "As an independent nation, we cannot hand over Chittagong Port to foreign companies. The government must prioritise national interest and the well-being of the people." Nurul Haque Nur, President of Gono Adhikar Parishad, expressed dismay that such discussions were even necessary following the mass uprising that led to the formation of the interim government. He called for local companies to continue managing the ports, stating, "Domestic companies are still operating the ports effectively—there is no need to bring in foreign firms, which would result in significant job losses." Other speakers also echoed similar sentiments. Syed Ehsanul Huda, Chairman of the Bangladesh Jatiya Dal, warned that handing over Chittagong Port to foreign interests could lead to long-term economic and political consequences. He also criticised the perceived influence of foreign powers on the current government, particularly India. HC stays enlistment process of operators by Ctg Port Authority for 6 months Subrata Chowdhury, Co-Chairman of Gono Forum, pointed out that both the High Court and Appellate Division have previously ruled against leasing Chittagong Port to foreign companies. He also mentioned that Mongla Port faces similar threats. Mujibur Rahman Manju, Member Secretary of the AB Party, stressed the port's importance as a national asset, urging the government to focus on improving local capabilities instead of outsourcing operations. "If we lack the skills, we must develop them. Thousands of jobs will be at risk if foreign companies take control," he said. Shahadat Hossain Salim, General Secretary of Bangladesh LDP, called on the shipping adviser and the Chittagong Port Authority to stop any further talks of foreign leasing, adding that such actions would not be tolerated by the people.