CPA workers suspend hunger strike

CHATTOGRAM Oct 19: A hunger strike until death programme called by the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) workers demanding scrapping of the deal with Dubai-based DP World for operating the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of the port was suspended after protesting leaders met Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam.

The leaders of the Port Jatiotabadi Sramik Dal and the Chittagong Port Protection Movement Council, which called the programme on Sunday night, made the announcement after the meeting.  The leaders met with Shipping Minister at the Ministry of Shipping in Dhaka and discussed various issues regarding the agreement.  

The talks also discussed the job security of port employees and workers in all areas, including the NCT and Chattogram Container Terminal (CCT), the recruitment of people for all vacant positions, and the other demands of port workers.

Meanwhile, the Labour leaders have urged Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to announce the cancellation of the agreement with DP World, calling for modernisation of the port under local management to protect national interests and workers’ rights. The Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP) made the demand at a press conference held at Chattogram Press Club on Monday, a day before the prime minister’s scheduled visit to the port city.  

Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Sramik Dal Chattogram Divisional Committee President AM Nazim Uddin read out the written statement.  SKOP welcomed the prime minister’s visit and urged the government to protect national assets, retain local control over vital port terminals and safeguard workers’ rights.

The labour platform said the agreement with DP World, signed on 8 October, should not have been finalised without a thorough assessment of its financial terms, long-term implications and national interest.

It demanded publication of the full contract and an independent review by experts.

According to SKOP, the government has invested around Tk2,700 crore in NCT’s infrastructure and machinery, while the value of its assets, including land, could exceed Tk5,000 crore.  It called for a comparison of the financial benefits and risks of handing over the terminal in exchange for around Tk600 crore in signing money and a Tk1,000 crore investment commitment over the first 10 years.