Indefinite Strike Paralyses Chattogram Port Operations

Operations at the Chattogram Port have come to a complete standstill as port workers and employees resumed an indefinite strike following a two-day hiatus.

The protest, which now includes the port's outer anchorage, is centered on a four-point demand, primarily opposing the government's decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to the UAE-based firm, DP World.

The strike commenced at 8:00 AM on Sunday (February 8), effectively halting all operational activities. To maintain order, additional law enforcement personnel have been deployed at various port gates since early morning.

The Escalation
The fresh call for the strike was announced on Saturday during a press conference at the Chattogram Press Club by Md. Humayun Kabir, coordinator of the Chattogram Port Protection Action Council and leader of the Port Nationalist Workers' Party.

The protesters’ primary demand is a clear government declaration that the NCT will not be leased to DP World. Other demands include:

• The withdrawal of all disciplinary actions against striking workers.
• Assurances that no legal action will be taken against participants.
• The removal of the Port Chairman.

Broken Truce and Retaliation
This follows a previous work abstention that began on January 31 and lasted until the afternoon of February 5, causing significant financial losses. The movement was briefly suspended following a meeting with Shipping Advisor M. Sakhawat Hossain.

However, labor leaders allege that within hours of that meeting, port authorities bypassed negotiations by sending letters to various government agencies, requesting corruption investigations into protest leaders and seeking travel bans against them.

Economic Impact and Concerns
As of last Tuesday, activities at the three primary facilities—NCT, Chattogram Container Terminal (CCT), and General Cargo Berth (GCB)—have remained totally suspended.

The stakes are high: approximately 91% of Bangladesh's export trade passes through Chattogram Port. With operations disrupted for six consecutive days, there are growing fears of massive losses in the export sector.

Business leaders and port users have expressed deep concern, warning that a prolonged stalemate could disrupt the supply chain for essential imported goods ahead of Ramadan, potentially leading to price hikes for general consumers.

Legal Pressure
In a move that has further fueled tensions, port authorities have already requested that relevant agencies impose travel bans on 15 involved workers and employees while initiating investigations into their movable and immovable assets.