Ctg Port faces fresh strike as workers call walkout from Sunday

Port workers have announced a fresh indefinite strike at Chattogram Port from 8 am on Sunday, renewing protests against the proposed leasing of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to foreign operator DP World and pressing a set of four key demands.

The programme was declared at a press conference at the Chattogram Press Club on Saturday afternoon by leaders of the Bandar Rakkha Sangram Parishad, also known as the Chattogram Port Protection Movement Council. Coordinator Md Ibrahim Khokon said workers would halt port operations until the government gives a clear assurance that NCT will not be leased to a foreign company.

Alongside the NCT issue, the council demanded the removal of current port chairman SM Moniruzzaman, whom they blamed for the ongoing crisis. The workers also called for withdrawal of punitive actions taken against employees during previous protests, including transfers, charge sheets, suspensions and demotions, and sought guarantees that no legal action would be taken against labour leaders involved in the movement.

Humayun Kabir, another coordinator of the council, said activities at the outer anchorage would also remain suspended during the strike. Leaders from several labour organisations, including the Dock Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal and Merchant Workers Union, were present at the briefing.

The latest announcement comes after a series of disruptions at the country’s busiest seaport. Workers had earlier staged eight-hour strikes for three consecutive days starting last Saturday, followed by an indefinite shutdown from Tuesday to Thursday afternoon. During that period, container handling, consignment delivery of imported goods and vessel movement at the jetty were largely halted, creating significant operational pressure.

The movement was briefly paused for two days after a meeting between labour leaders and Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain on Thursday, when workers said they received assurances regarding their demands. However, they decided to resume the strike after claiming there had been no visible progress.

Meanwhile, port authorities on Thursday evening wrote to the Shipping Secretary seeking restrictions on overseas travel for 15 individuals linked to the protests and requested the Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate their movable and immovable assets. The list reportedly includes Humayun Kabir and several other labour leaders.

With the renewed shutdown set to begin Sunday morning, concerns are rising over potential delays in cargo handling and the broader impact on trade and supply chains through Chattogram Port.