Labour organizations in Chattogram city staged a torch procession to oppose the government’s proposal to lease out terminals at Chattogram port, including the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), to foreign entities. The protest, led by the “Bandar Rokkha Parishad,” began at the Halishahar PDB Office area and concluded at the Boropole intersection with a rally. Workers and staff from Chattogram port also participated in the demonstration.
Representatives from Gono Samhati Andolon, Chattogram Bandar Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, Merchant Sramik Dal, and Dock Sramik Dal were present at the event. Humayun Kabir, a former assistant publicity secretary of the Chattogram Port Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, highlighted that the NCT was constructed using funds from the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) and emphasized the staff’s capability to efficiently operate the terminal.
During the rally, speakers expressed concerns and threatened further actions if the government proceeds with leasing the NCT to DP World, a company based in the UAE. Hasan Maruf Rumi, the Convener of Gano Samhati Andolon Chattogram, Abu Sayeed Harun, the Convener of Bandar Rokkha Parishad, and Mojaher Showkat, a former assistant general secretary of the Chattogram Port Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, addressed the crowd, advocating for the protection of local interests.