Port workers go on hunger strike tomorrow

CHATTOGRAM, Oct 10: The Port Protection Committee condemned the government’s decision to lease Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to Dubai-based DP World, alleging a lack of public consultation and transparency.

The committee also called on workers, political parties, social organisations, professionals and people from all walks of life to join a mass hunger strike on October 12 in front of the port’s ‘One Stop Service Building’.

The Committee took the decision in an emergency meeting held on Saturday in Chattogram.

The emergency meeting demanded disclosure of the contract terms, an independent financial and technical assessment, and a national-level discussion on the deal’s long-term implications.  Presided over by labour leader Tapan Dutta, the meeting was held at a local hotel at 11am.

The workers leaders said that Chattogram Port handles around 90% of Bangladesh’s international trade and making decisions on its major terminals crucial to the country’s economic interests and trade security.