The Chattogram city branch of Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation held a demonstration in the port city today, opposing the alleged plan to transfer the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port to foreign entities without a transparent international bidding process. Witnesses reported that the federation’s leaders and workers gathered in front of the Chattogram Press Club at 10:00 am to express their discontent on the matter. Labor representatives cautioned that the proposed action poses a threat to national security and economic autonomy.
During the event chaired by SM Lutfor Rahman, the central assistant general secretary of the federation and president of its Chattogram city unit, emphasis was placed on the strategic significance of the port. Chattogram Port, being the primary seaport of the country, is intricately linked to Bangladesh’s sovereignty and independence, as highlighted by Lutfor.
Addressing the audience, Lutfor raised concerns about a covert scheme to lease the port to foreign powers without following an open tender process under the pretext of ‘development’. He emphasized the rejection of any clandestine dealings related to the port, stressing the importance of development that safeguards the nation’s independence and sovereignty. Lutfor accused the government of attempting to transfer the port to a foreign entity, labeling it as an unfinished agenda of the autocratic Sheikh Hasina administration.
The federation leader demanded a transparent blueprint from the government outlining plans to elevate Chattogram Port to international standards. While open to the appointment of a foreign operator if needed, Lutfor underscored the necessity of conducting such arrangements through a public tender process, vehemently opposing any secretive agreements. He also called for the reinstatement of the workers’ right to form a trade union, criticizing the port authority for unjustly depriving them of this privilege. Lutfor highlighted the port’s profitability and urged for fair and transparent management practices to be upheld.