Workers and employees at Chattogram Port have announced an indefinite work stoppage from Wednesday morning in protest against the government’s decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a private operator, escalating a dispute that has already brought operations at the country’s main seaport to a near standstill.
Leaders of labour and employee organisations declared the indefinite strike on Tuesday, February 3, during a blockade programme held inside the port area. The announcement was made by Ibrahim Khokon, general secretary of the Chattogram Port Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal.
“We have been threatened in various ways by the shipping adviser. Our people are being transferred, and there are threats of punishment through mobile courts,” Khokon said. “Considering the overall situation, we are announcing an indefinite work stoppage from 8:00 am tomorrow. This programme will continue until further notice.”
Earlier on Tuesday, workers and employees had already begun a 24-hour strike from 8:00 am, which effectively paralysed import and export operations at the country’s main seaport. With the escalation to an indefinite strike, the disruption is expected to deepen further.
The protesters are demanding that the NCT jetty not be leased to the foreign company DP World, the resignation of the Chattogram Port Authority chairman, and the withdrawal of all transfer orders issued against workers and officials in connection with the ongoing protest.
According to port officials and union representatives, operational activities have now been suspended at all major terminals, including the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), Chattogram Container Terminal (CCT), and the General Cargo Berths. Ifthekhar Kamal, joint secretary of the port workers’ organisation (SCOP), said that container handling and general cargo loading and unloading have completely stopped, leaving the overall port operations in a state of paralysis.
In solidarity with the movement, the Sramik-Karmachari Oikya Parishad (Workers-Employees Unity Council) held a protest march in the Agrabad area of Chattogram on Tuesday morning. After a rally, the procession attempted to move towards the port, but police blocked the march.
Mohammad Humayun Kabir, coordinator of the Chattogram Port Rokkha Sangram Parishad, accused the authorities of trying to suppress the movement instead of resolving the crisis through dialogue. “Rather than taking initiatives to solve the problem, the authorities are using repression, intimidation and transfers to create fear,” he said.
Meanwhile, business leaders have warned of serious economic consequences as vessels remain stranded at jetties for several days and cargo transportation remains suspended. Traders report that ships have been waiting at berths for up to four days, while supply chains linked to imports and exports are being disrupted.
BGMEA Vice President Selimur Rahman said the ongoing deadlock is increasing import costs and severely affecting export schedules, particularly in the readymade garments sector. “This situation is pushing up costs, delaying shipments and creating uncertainty for international buyers. If the port remains paralysed, the damage to the national economy and export sector will be significant,” he warned.
Chattogram Port handles more than 90 percent of Bangladesh’s international trade, making any prolonged disruption a serious threat to the country’s trade flows, supply chains, and export commitments. With the strike now declared indefinite, uncertainty remains over when normal port operations will resume and whether negotiations will take place to resolve the crisis.
