Indefinite strike paralyses Chattogram Port operations
Staff Reporter :
Chattogram Port was brought to a complete halt on Wednesday as port workers extended their all-out work stoppage into an indefinite strike over the government’s decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to Dubai-based DP World.
The stoppage, which started at 8?am on yesterday, has continued into an open-ended strike from this morning, halting all port operations.
Ships were seen idling at jetties, while gantry cranes and other container-handling equipment remained non-operational. Although several jetties stood vacant, no new vessels were berthed due to the strike.
According to port sources, the number of ships waiting at the outer anchorage has climbed to 96, raising concerns over worsening congestion and mounting losses.
Cargo delivery has remained suspended for more than 24 hours, leaving thousands of heavy vehicles stranded both inside and outside the port area. To prevent further gridlock, authorities have stopped allowing new vehicles to enter the port premises.
The latest escalation follows three consecutive days of eight-hour work stoppages that began on Saturday.
On Monday morning, port workers and employees launched a 24-hour all-out strike, which has now been converted into an indefinite programme.
As a result, thousands of trucks carrying imported goods for delivery and export consignments awaiting shipment have been caught in the disruption.
Importers say delays in cargo clearance are forcing them to pay additional storage and demurrage charges, while exporters fear order cancellations and significant financial losses due to missed shipment deadlines.
The situation has also sparked concern over the supply of essential commodities ahead of Ramadan, as containers carrying consumer goods remain stuck at the port.
Traders warn that prolonged disruption could lead to shortages and price hikes in the domestic market.
Business leaders and economists have cautioned that the unprecedented standoff could deepen further and place serious strain on the national economy, particularly as both the port authority and labour organisations remain firm in their opposing positions over the NCT leasing issue.
Coordinators of the Chattogram Port Rokkha Sangram Oikya Parishad claimed that workers and employees are participating in the strike spontaneously.
They alleged that senior port officials were confined at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) office in Dhaka and pressured to sign the leasing contract.
The coordinators said the work stoppage would continue indefinitely unless the government withdraws what they described as a decision contrary to national interests.
Attempts to contact Chattogram Port Authority Director (Administration) and spokesperson Omar Faruk for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls.
Meanwhile, a group named Students for Sovereignty staged a protest demanding cancellation of the government’s decision to lease the NCT to a foreign company.
The demonstration took place around 11:30am on Tuesday in front of the PPP Authority office in Agargaon, according to a press release.
Speakers at the rally termed the move self-destructive and against national interest ahead of the election, alleging a lack of transparency and warning of long-term economic and strategic risks.
The protesters also called for strengthening domestic port management and rejected foreign control over what they described as a critical national asset.