Chittagong Port has been engulfed in unrest for the second consecutive day over the government’s decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign operator. The two-day strike called by the Port Nationalist Workers’ Party effectively brought both operational and administrative activities at the port to a standstill from Sunday morning (1 February). Since 8:00 a.m., loading and unloading operations at the jetty have halted, raising concerns over a potential major disruption to Bangladesh’s primary maritime trade hub.
The government recently awarded the NCT lease to DP World, a United Arab Emirates-based company. This decision has triggered unrest at the port for several days. Last Thursday, the High Court dismissed a writ petition challenging the ongoing contractual process between the port authority and the foreign operator, effectively legitimising the lease agreement. News of this ruling sparked widespread agitation among port workers.
On Thursday, protesters marched through the port premises during office hours. The Port Nationalist Workers’ Party subsequently called for an eight-hour strike on both Saturday and Sunday mornings. In response, the port authority issued a notice threatening disciplinary action against officials and employees participating in demonstrations during office hours.
In light of escalating tensions, the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) issued a public notice late Saturday night (11:30 p.m.), banning all gatherings, processions, and the carrying of weapons in and around the port area. The ban will remain in effect from 1 February to 2 March. On Sunday, a significant deployment of police and law enforcement personnel was observed across the port to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain public order.
Field reports indicate a complete shutdown of operations at the General Cargo Berth (GCB) terminal. Only minimal activities are ongoing at the NCT and Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT), leaving the main operational chain effectively disrupted. The absence of machine operators and labourers has led to growing congestion for vessels waiting offshore.
| Terminal | Operational Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NCT | Minimal | Only limited activities ongoing |
| CCT | Minimal | Core operations disrupted |
| GCB | Non-operational | Complete halt in cargo handling |
Fazle Ekram Chowdhury, President of the Berth Operators, Ship Handling Operators and Terminal Operators Owners Association (BOTSOWA), stated: “No work is being carried out at the GCB due to the absence of workers and operators. We are trying to restore normalcy.”
In response to the unrest, the port authority has taken a firm stance. Four labour leaders — Ibrahim Khokon, Md. Humayun Kabir, Md. Anwarul Azim, and Md. Faridur Rahman — were urgently transferred to the Inland Container Terminal (ICT) in Dhaka for allegedly disrupting discipline. The leaders have condemned the move as “retaliatory.”
Ibrahim Khokon, coordinator of the Port Nationalist Workers’ Party, said: “A self-serving contract is being executed to lease the profitable NCT terminal to Dubai-based DP World. We demand the cancellation of this decision in the interest of our country and port. Today’s programme will continue until 4:00 p.m., and if our demands are not met, more stringent actions will follow.”
Business representatives have warned that the ongoing paralysis is severely affecting the supply chain. Delays in the timely delivery of goods could negatively impact industrial production and the availability of daily essentials in the market.