NCT lease to DP World: Ctg port workers call 24-hour strike
Protesting port workers have announced a 24-hour work stoppage at Chattogram Port from Tuesday, demanding the cancellation of the government’s decision to lease out the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to Dubai-based global port operator DP World.
The announcement was made at a press briefing in front of the Chattogram Port Building at around 12:45pm today.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Ibrahim Khokon, coordinator of the Port Protection Movement Council, said port workers and employees would observe the strike from 8am on Tuesday for 24 hours.
Earlier in the day, leaders of the Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad announced at a rally in Agrabad that they would blockade entry points to port jetties for six hours, from 11am to 5pm on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Chattogram Port workers and the Port Protection Movement Committee observed a full work stoppage for the third consecutive day on Monday from 8am, which will continue until 4pm.
Similar programmes were also observed on Saturday and Sunday during the same hours.
Although the port authority’s traffic department urged port users not to pay heed to rumours and to continue normal operations, port activities were virtually brought to a standstill due to the absence of workers and employees.
Fazle Ekram Chowdhury, chairman of the Chattogram Port Berth Operators Association, said efforts were made to book labourers, but workers refused to take bookings.
“Administrative activities have come to a halt as no documents are being signed, creating a complete stalemate at the port,” he said.
According to Chattogram Custom House officials, continuous work stoppages over the proposed NCT lease have severely disrupted cargo handling, container operations, and vessel movements at the port.
As a result, customs clearance and the release of imported goods have slowed significantly, while the shipment of export consignments has also remained stuck.
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