Operations at Chattogram port were disrupted as employees and workers initiated an indefinite strike starting at 8:00 am today. The strike was enforced by the Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad after delaying a previous work abstention program for two days. The group put forward four demands, including the cancellation of leasing the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to DP World, the removal of the port chairman, and an investigation into alleged corruption involving him.
Protesting workers leaders declared a halt to cargo delivery from mother vessels at the port’s outer anchorage as part of the strike. Loading and unloading activities at seven vessels, including three container ships, at the General Cargo Berth (GCB), the port’s oldest terminal, were immediately suspended when the strike commenced, according to Fazley Ekram Chowdhury, president of the Bangladesh Ship Handling and Berth Operators Association.
Approximately 80 mother vessels at the outer anchorage faced significant disruption. Although all activities were initially stopped by protesters, Sarwar Sagar, chairman of the association, mentioned that they requested the strikers to allow ten vessels nearing completion to finish their work before their scheduled departure today.
However, operations at the jetties of two other terminals, the Chattogram Container Terminal (CCT) and NCT, managed by Chittagong Dry Dock Limited (CDDL) under the Bangladesh Navy, continued as usual, sources disclosed. Vessel movements had not commenced by morning, awaiting high tide at 12:40 pm, as per sources at the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA).
A significant number of police and army personnel were stationed at various entry gates of the port, administrative buildings, auditorium, and approach roads from the morning. Law enforcement officers were observed patrolling inside port jetties and yards, according to sources.
Police confirmed the detention of two CPA employees, Abu Kalam Azad and Shamsu Mia Tuku, in connection with the ongoing movement regarding NCT issues. Md Amirul Islam, deputy commissioner (port) of the Chattogram Metropolitan Police, stated that authorities are verifying their roles and conducting further investigations.
An emergency meeting was called by the CPA with employees and workers from different departments at the CPA auditorium at 9:30 am. Department heads were instructed to ensure the presence of around 200 officials and staff members, while the chief welfare officer was tasked with ensuring the attendance of 100 enlisted workers from various categories.
Ibrahim Khokon, coordinator of the Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad, accused the Chattogram port chairman, SM Moniruzzaman, of utilizing police, army, coast guard, SB, and DB to harass their leaders and activists. He alleged that individuals were being arrested and coerced into attending the meeting. Khokon emphasized the ongoing strike at the port and warned of strict action if the issue is not resolved promptly.
Parishad leaders urged employees and workers to refrain from attending the meeting, claiming it was an attempt by the authority to sow discord among protesters. The CPA chairman is set to hold a press conference today.