United News of Bangladesh

Operations at Chattogram Port, the country’s busiest trade hub, have come to a standstill as a strike by port workers and employees drags on, triggering significant delays in imports and exports, as talks are underway between labour representatives and port authorities to resolve the crisis. The strike continued for the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday protesting the plans to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to global port operator DP World. As a result, import-export trade has come to a standstill, inflicting losses worth several hundred crore taka on shipping lines. Read More: Chattogram Port workers plan 24-hour walkout as NCT leasing dispute deepens The workers of Chattogram Port have been observing work stoppages for eight hours a day over the past three days from Saturday to Monday while they observed a 24-hr strike from Tuesday morning. Amid the worsening situation, port-related business leaders have sat in an emergency meeting with labour leaders in a bid to resolve the crisis around 2 pm on Wednesday at a hotel in Agrabad area of the Chattogram port city and it continued until the filing of this report. Labour leaders said port workers and employees went on an eight-hour strike protesting the agreement with a foreign company to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) from Saturday. As their demands were not met, they announced a 24-hour strike from Wednesday. The protesters also alleged that although the NCT is a self-sustaining and profitable terminal built with the port’s own funds, steps are being taken to hand it over to a foreign company. They also claimed that the decision could threaten national sovereignty and lead to job losses for many workers. The labour leaders also demanded to withdraw the decision to hand over the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to global port operator DP World. Meanwhile, the port authorities said the process of signing a contract with a foreign company to operate the NCT is underway to make Chattogram Port more dynamic and modern. The matter has not yet been finalised. Moreover, a writ petition was filed against the contract which had already been dismissed by the High Court. Read More: Strike at Chattogram port enters 2nd day over NCT lease Severe Impact on Trade Nearly 92% of the country’s import-export cargo is transported through Chattogram Port. Due to the work stoppage, port operations have almost come to a halt. More than 10,000 export-laden containers have piled up, while queues of vessels waiting at jetties and outer anchorage continue to grow. Omar Faruk, director (admin) of Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) said the ongoing movement is having only a limited impact on import-export trade. He urged the protesters not to disrupt cargo handling and delivery operations. Already 16 workers involved in leading the movement were transferred to Dhaka as a disciplinary measure, he said. Business leaders said Chattogram Port is the heart of the country’s economy and the severe agitation must be stopped to keep it operational. Any delay, they warned, would force the entire economy to pay a heavy price. Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Director Rakibul Alam Chowdhury said unrest has prevailed at Chattogram Port for the last four days centring on an appeal hearing at the High Court that declared the operation of NCT by Dubai-based DP World lawful. Read More: Strike at Chattogram port enters 2nd day over NCT lease Processions, rallies, blockades and mass transfers have heightened tensions in the port area, severely hampering import-export operations at jetties, yards and terminals, he said. Besides, the ready-made garment sector has suffered the most due to the strike, he added. Head of operations of MSC Shipping, Azmir Hossain Chowdhury  said delays in unloading and loading cargo due to the strike have forced shipping lines to pay demurrage of at least $15,000 per vessel per day on average. If the situation continues, losses could multiply, he warned. Additional costs for fuel, crew management and port usage are also rising, while the port’s international reputation is being harmed, he said. Meanwhile, Ruhul Amin Sikder Biplob, General Secretary of Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA), said import and export activities largely depend on 21 private inland container depots (ICDs) or off-docks around Chattogram Port. On average, more than 3,500 import containers and around 3,000 export containers—about 6,500 containers in total—are transported daily between the port and these off-docks.

Interns at Sylhet Osmani Medical College and Hospital (OMCH) continued their strike for the second consecutive day on Sunday, causing immense suffering to the patients. The interns of the OMCH went on strike on Saturday morning protesting the attack on a female intern allegedly by the relatives of a patient. Many patients in the outpatient department reported waiting for long hours without being able to see a doctor. Although treatment is being provided at the emergency department, patients complained of delays compared to normal times. Several attendants said they had come from distant areas and were forced to wait for hours. Many returned home disappointed without receiving necessary tests or primary treatment. Intern doctors said they went on a strike to press home several demands.  The authorities of the hospital said discussions are ongoing with the higher authorities to bring the situation back to normal. Committee formed after attack on intern doctor at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College, strike continues Mizanur Rahman, an intern of the hospital, said their strike is still ongoing. “The hospital administration has not yet assured us of increased security or clarified what level of force will be deployed to ensure our safety while providing treatment,” he said. Another meeting is scheduled to be held with the administration on Sunday, he added. Meanwhile, a general diary (GD) was lodged with Kotwali Police Station over the attack on the female intern, said Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sylhet Kotwali Police Station Moinul Zakir. Besides, a five-member committee was formed to look into the incident. Hospital Director Brigadier General Umar Rashed Munir said, “Ensuring the safety of doctors and staff is our top priority. Since the incident, all necessary measures have been taken to maintain peace in and around the hospital.”  

The Khulna wing of Bangladesh Tank Lorry Owners Association on Thursday enforced a half-day strike to press home their six-point demand including an increase in transportation fares. The strike was observed from 8 am to 12 pm. Sheikh Sadi, organising secretary of Khulna Tank Lorry Owners Association, and Mir Moksed Ali, former president of the Tank Lorry Workers Union in the region, said the strike will continue for a week for four hours a day. In the second week, the strike will extend until 2 pm and a countrywide indefinite strike will begin from December 5 if the demands are not met, they said. Tank lorry owners refrained from loading fuel from Padma, Meghna and Jamuna fuel depots in Khalishpur’s Kashipur area and kept their vehicles parked at the depot gates. Winter fails to cool prices as Khulna kitchen markets see fresh hikes Tank lorries were also stationed along BL College Road, BIDC Road and in front of the Kashipur Tank Lorry Workers Union office. Fuel extraction and distribution from the depots came to a halt, disrupting supply across Khulna and 16 surrounding districts. The key demands include a fare increase, publication in the government gazette confirming that VAT will be paid by service recipients, inter-district route permits for all tank lorries, fitness clearance for vehicles deemed roadworthy, and extending the economic lifespan of tank lorries to 35 years, allowing those manufactured or registered up to 1990 to operate legally.

No classes were held at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet) on Sunday despite its reopening after two and a half months of closure as teachers started class boycott on various demands. Md Abdullah Elias Akhtar, Director of Students' Welfare at Kuet, said, “Classes could not be held as the teachers’ association is boycotting academic activities.  The teachers remain firm in their decision. The Vice-Chancellor is holding a meeting with the teachers today.” Md Faruk Hossain, General Secretary of the Kuet Teachers’ Association, said, “We will not return to classes until justice is served against those responsible for the February 18  unrest and the assault on the Vice-Chancellor and other faculty members. We have already informed the newly appointed acting VC of our stance.” Search committee to appoint new Kuet VC, Pro-VC The crisis began on February 18 following an attack on students on the campus. In the wake of the attack, students demanded the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Pro-VC), and the Director of Students' Welfare (DSW). The prolonged protests, including a hunger strike by students, eventually led to the removal of KUET Vice-Chancellor and Pro-VC by the Ministry of Education. On May 1, Prof Dr Md Hazrat Ali of the Civil Engineering Department at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) was appointed as the acting Vice-Chancellor. He arrived in Khulna on May 2 and formally assumed office on May 3. Students expressed frustration by the prolonged suspension of classes and exams.  

The outpatient services at Patuakhali Medical College and Hospital remained suspended since Thursday morning as the hospital interns went on a work abstention protesting the suspension of a doctor over ‘wrong treatment’. The interns of the medical college and hospital locked the hospital’s outpatient gate and formed a human chain in the morning. Later, they staged a sit-in programme in front of the gate. Students from the medical college and nursing institute also joined in solidarity with the interns, causing immense suffering of the patients. Earlier, DR AMS Shamim Al Azad, a junior consultant of the cardiology department of the hospital was suspended following the death of a student from Patuakhali Science and Technology (PSTU) on April 14 due to alleged  ‘wrong treatment’. The protesting interns said that the authorities concerned took the decision before getting the report of the probe committee. They also demanded immediate withdrawal of the suspension order of  the doctor and a fair investigation. They also threatened to continue their movement until their demand is met.  

Prime mover and trailer workers in Chattogram called off their three-day strike following assurances from labour leaders during a meeting with the deputy commissioner of police (port) of Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) on Friday night. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Port) Badrul Alam Molla said, "We discussed six key demands with the labour representatives and assured them of necessary steps to address their concerns. As a result, they have withdrawn the strike and returned to work." The strike was initially sparked by a clash on February 4 between the guards of the Faujdarhat DC Park in Sitakunda and goods transport workers over parking issues. In response, the ‘Chattogram Prime Mover-Trailer Sramik Union’ enforced a work stoppage, disrupting the transportation of goods, including containers at the port. After a 23-hour strike, the workers briefly resumed operations upon receiving assurances from the Chattogram district administration. However, on February 5, they resumed the strike upon discovering that the DC Park remained open, contrary to their demands. Amid continued disruptions, the deputy commissioner of police (port) held discussions with five representatives of the labour organisation to resolve the deadlock. 496 foreign commercial ships docked at Mongla Port in 7 months Following the meeting on Friday evening, the workers agreed to withdraw their strike and resume operations after receiving further assurances regarding their demands. Md Kayes Chowdhury, Joint General Secretary of the Chattogram Prime Mover-Trailer Sramik Union, stated, "Our five leaders attended the meeting at the port police lines. We expect a resolution as our demands have been accepted and are being documented."

Fuel collection from three depots in Khulna and its supply to 16 districts under Khulna division resumed on Wednesday morning following the withdrawal of the indefinite work abstention enforced by Khulna divisional tank-lorry workers’ union. The union’s treasurer Mizanur Rahman said they called off the strike early Wednesday after the district administration assured of meeting their demands. workers started lifting fuel and supplying it to the districts at 8am, he said.Earlier on Sunday afternoon, the workers went on an indefinite work abstention protesting the arrest of union general secretary Ali Azam in a sabotage case and demanding his release. Tank Lorry workers struck work in Khulna to protest union leader's arrest As a result, the fuel lifting from the depots and supply to refueling stations came to a halt across the division. Detectives arrested leader Azam on Sunday and handed over to Khalishpur police station. He is an identified accused in the sabotage case filed on August 21 last. Protesting the arrest, the workers refrained from loading fuel from Padma, Meghna and Jauma depots.

Transport workers at the Barishal Rupatli Bus Terminal have called for an indefinite strike in protest of an attack and vandalism by students of Government Brojomohun, Barishal (BM) College over a dispute concerning half-fare payment. The strike, which began at 8pm on Tuesday, has led to the suspension of bus services on 19 routes across five southern districts, causing significant inconvenience to passengers. Barishal Traffic Department Inspector Bidyut Chandra Dey said that bus operations from the Rupatli Bus Terminal had been suspended and that both police and military personnel were present at the scene to restore order. Anwar Hossain, general secretary of the Barisal Divisional Bus Owners Group, condemned the incident, saying that conflicts could have been resolved through meetings, but instead, the terminal was unexpectedly attacked. Students and bus staff come to blows over half fare in Barishal He added that bus services would not resume until the matter was properly investigated. The workers have demanded the arrest of those responsible for the attack, as well as assurances regarding the safety of bus owners and workers. According to the workers, ten individuals from two groups sustained injuries during the incident. The incident unfolded earlier in the afternoon when a student from the BM College requested to pay half fare on a bus traveling from Barishal to Jhalakathi. The bus helper reportedly refused, sparking an argument. In response, BM College students gathered at the bus terminal to protest. Tensions escalated into clashes, with students allegedly vandalising the bus workers' union office, damaging five buses and injuring seven workers.

Passengers went on a rampage at Rajshahi railway station on Tuesday morning in protest against the strike enforced by Bangladesh Railway's running staff to press home their demands including special post-retirement benefits. Hundreds of passengers vadalised chairs, tables and other valuables at a TTE room and several chairs at the station. On information, army personnel rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. The aggrieved passengers returned home after taking back train ticket money from counters. Moreover, those who booked tickets online were refunded through mobile phone. Read: Train communications halt nationwide after talks on extra benefits fail Demanding punitive action against the train employees, one of the Dhaka-bound passengers Anwar Hossain questioned why the strikers didn’t raise the demand to the previous government. “The staffers operated the trains even in hartals during the previous government and why they are holding passengers captive now?”  

Railway Affairs Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has urged railway running staff to call off their strike, assuring them that discussions with the Finance Division are ongoing to address their demands. “Demands are understandable, but holding passengers hostage by halting train services is regrettable,” he said while talking to reporters at Kamalapur Railway Station in the capital on Tuesday morning. Train communications halt nationwide after talks on extra benefits fail Fouzul Kabir said that the Railway Ministry does not have the authority to resolve the issue independently. “The matter lies with the Finance Division, and discussions are in progress. We are confident a resolution will be reached soon.” The strike, initiated by railway running staff from 12 PM on Monday (Jan 27), has paralysed train operations nationwide. Karwan Bazar Railway: The go-to place for illegal drugs in Dhaka On Tuesday morning, Kamalapur Railway Station demonstrated an unusual scene of silence, with the normally bustling ticket counters eerily quiet. Passengers, many unaware of the strike, arrived at the station only to face immense difficulties. Families travelling to destinations such as Mymensingh, Netrokona, Rajshahi and Cox’s Bazar were left stranded in the cold winter morning. Bent rail tracks: ‘Banalata Express’ avoids accident Several travellers expressed their frustration, highlighting the lack of prior communication about the disruption. “We had no idea the trains wouldn’t run. Now we are stuck here with no alternative arrangements,” one passenger lamented.