Labour leaders call mass protest over NCT lease

CHATTOGRAM, Sep 20: Leaders of various labour federations and trade unions have called for mass participation in a daylong sit-in on October 5 in front of Chattogram Port’s headquarters, demanding greater transparency over the proposed leasing of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT).

At a view-exchange meeting with leaders of national federations and basic unions at Sultan Ahmad Hall of Chattogram Press Club on Sunday, the speakers urged workers and labour organisations to join the programme.

They said Chattogram Port is the country’s main gateway for international trade and that decisions on its management and future development have direct implications for the national economy and thousands of workers.

The speakers stressed that workers’ rights and interests, along with national interests, must be prioritised in any decision concerning the port.

They demanded that the government publicly explain how leasing out the NCT would benefit the country. They also called for a national dialogue to assess the potential impact of the proposed lease, including the possibility of financial losses.

The leaders said they wanted to draw the government’s attention through peaceful demonstrations.

They warned that if the government considered the peaceful sit-in and movement a sign of weakness, they could announce tougher programmes in the future, including blockades and hartals with public participation.

The meeting was organised by the Chattogram Port Protection Committee. Convener Engineer Delwar Majumder and member secretary Fazlul Kabir Mintu were present.

Leaders of the Bangladesh Federation of Trade Unions (BFTUC), Bangladesh Labour Federation, Port Winch Crane Operators Association, private healthcare workers’ union, community centre workers’ union, Chattogram Youth Trade Union Network and Socialist Workers Front also attended the meeting.