CHATTOGRAM, Feb 1: The operational activities of the Chattogram Port came to a complete halt during the 8 hours strike of the CPA workers and staff for the last two consecutive days. The workers and staff have been protesting the lease out of New Mooring Container terminal to foreign operator.
In a meeting held on Sunday, the striking staff members have taken a decision to observe further 8 hours strike from 8 am to 4 pm on Monday. Kazi Nurulla Bahar, general secretary of the port unit of the BNP-backed labour body confirmed the decision of the meeting to the daily Observer on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) has tightened the security surrounding the CPA areas on Sunday. For this reason, the striking workers did not bring out procession within the Ctg Port area on Sunday.
The strike has paralyzed operations at the country's primary gateway. The strike significantly delays loading/unloading of cargo and containers, causing severe supply chain disruption, though specific total daily financial loss figures are currently being assessed by a 6-member probe committee formed by the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA).
Major impact of the strike on cargo handling and container operations at the port's jetties consequently increased container congestion, vessel delays, and potential bottlenecks for importers and exporters.
Cargo handling at the port remained suspended as loading and unloading of goods from ships came to a halt, causing growing suffering for traders and raising concerns over mounting financial losses.
Ignoring a cautionary notice issued by the Chattogram Port Authority, workers began demonstrations on Saturday and continued the work stoppage.
The strike was enforced from the morning at the call of the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, SCOP and several other labour organisations.
Movement of container-laden lorries, trailers and covered vans inside the port area remained suspended.
Business leaders expressed fears that prolonged disruption of port operations could lead to severe vessel congestion and significant damage to the country's import-export activities.
Meanwhile, the port authority transferred four officials to Pangaon in Dhaka for defying port directives and participating in Saturday's strike.
They have been reassigned to the Pangaon Inland Container Terminal in Keraniganj, Dhaka and asked them to join the new workplace by Sunday, said an official order signed by the CPA's chief personnel officer on Saturday afternoon and directed the four employees to join their new workplace positively. The four employees are Humayun Kabir, an audit assistant of the Department of Internal Audit and Inspection, Md Ibrahim Khokan, an engine driver of Marine Department, Md Anwarul Azim, senior assistant accounts officer and Md Faridur Rahman, a class four employee of the engineering department.
CPA on January 29 in an official notice instructed departmental heads to take disciplinary action against employees who allegedly participated in protest programmes during office hours on that day against a High Court verdict and government decision of leasing NCT, terming the activities as misconduct and disobedience.
Different workers' organisation including Chattogram Bandar Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal enforced an 8-hour work abstention for two days since Saturday morning.
CPA also formed a 6-member committee led by CPA member (engineer) Commodore Mazharul Islam on Saturday to find out the financial losses incurred due to the 8-hour strike today and to identify the persons involved in the movement.
Meanwhile, the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) has imposed a ban on all forms of processions, meetings, rallies and human chains in areas surrounding Chattogram Port for 30 days, effective from Sunday (February 1).
CMP Commissioner Hasib Aziz issued a public notice in this regard on Saturday evening.
The ban, issued under Sections 29 and 30 of the Chattogram Metropolitan Police Ordinance, 1978, covers several key locations adjacent to the port, including Barek Building intersection, Nimtola intersection, Jetty Gate No. 3, Customs intersection, Saltgola Crossing, and all surrounding port areas.
The notice, however, said rallies and processions brought out by different candidates and political parties as part of their election campaign would be out of the purview of the ban.
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman is scheduled to join a grand election rally at the Chattogram Port Authority School and College ground on Monday evening.
In recent weeks, tensions have escalated at the port amid court proceedings and administrative directives related to the NCT deal. While authorities argue that involving an experienced global terminal operator would improve efficiency and competitiveness, labour groups and some port stakeholders oppose the move, citing concerns over jobs, national control and transparency.
