Chittagong Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) has become the focal point of escalating labour unrest, as the Port Protection Struggle Council has announced a fresh 24-hour strike in protest against the government’s move to implement a lease agreement with the foreign company DP World. The announcement came on Monday, following an eight-hour strike earlier in the day. Workers and staff claim the government is jeopardising national interests by handing over one of the country’s most strategic and profitable facilities to a foreign entity.
Labour leaders have accused the authorities of bypassing dialogue while resorting to punitive measures against employees. On Saturday and Sunday, a total of 16 port employees were transferred to Pangao and Kamalapur Inland Container Depots (ICDs). Subsequently, a new ministerial order on Monday reassigned 15 of them to Mongla and Payra ports. None of the employees have reported to their new postings, maintaining a firm stance on their refusal.
The port administration has described the labour action as extrajudicial, warning that certain influential quarters may be instigating the unrest.
The ongoing three-day strike has effectively halted container handling at Chittagong Port. Only 35 mother vessels carrying essential goods are anchored offshore, awaiting clearance. Operations at private depots and off-docks linked to the port have also been disrupted.
Key Facts: Chittagong Port Strike
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Strike Duration | 24 hours (from 8:00 a.m. Tuesday) |
| Previous Strikes | Three consecutive days, 8 hours each |
| Employees Transferred | 16 employees; 15 sent to Mongla and Payra ports |
| Container Backlog | 37,000 TEUs |
| Operational Vessels | 35 mother vessels waiting offshore |
| Administrative Impact | Port administrative functions halted; truck and lorry movement blocked |
| Off-Dock Impact | Container congestion; export delays |
On Monday morning, a black-flag march, led by the Workers-Staff Unity Council (SCOP), departed from Agrabad Chowmuhani, demanding a halt to what they termed a “nationally detrimental NCT lease agreement”. The demonstration, carrying banners and black flags, was intercepted by police at Barik Building Corner. Later, at a press briefing in the port premises, the Port Protection Struggle Council announced the 24-hour strike alongside plans for road blockades.
Mohammad Ibrahim Khokon, General Secretary of the Nationalist Workers’ Party, said workers have been demanding for over a month that NCT not be leased to foreign operators. “The government is ignoring our demands and pushing ahead with the contract. Our struggle will continue until our demands are met,” he emphasised.
Chittagong Port Director (Administration) Omar Faruq reported that 1,587 TEUs were scheduled for delivery on Monday, but operations remained severely constrained due to the strike. The lack of alternative clearance measures is impacting the national economy.
Business leaders and importers have urged the government to ensure uninterrupted port operations, calling Chittagong Port the lifeline of the national economy, which must remain functional by any means necessary.