Protestors withdraw Chittagong port strike for 2 days
The Chronify
The "Chittagong Port Protection Movement Council" has suspended its indefinite strike for two days following a dramatic meeting with Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain.
The suspension comes after six days of paralysis that brought Bangladesh’s external trade to a near standstill. On Thursday, the Shipping Adviser faced fierce protests upon his arrival at the port, with workers blocking his vehicle and chanting slogans against the proposed lease of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to UAE-based DP World.
The protesters agreed to a 48-hour "cooling-off" period (Friday and Saturday) after the Adviser assured them he would discuss their demands with the Chief Adviser. However, the council has issued a "hardline" warning: if a favorable decision is not reached by Saturday, the indefinite strike will resume on Sunday, February 8.
The Protesters' 4 CORE Demands:
The Government’s Stance:
Shipping Adviser Sakhawat Hossain emphasized that "no one has the authority to shut down the port," especially with the holy month of Ramadan approaching. He warned that the deadlock is trapping essential consumer goods and aviation fuel, which could trigger an artificial price hike. While he noted that the government intends to proceed with the deal to improve efficiency, he clarified that "no contract will be finalized if it harms the country."
The protesters agreed to a 48-hour "cooling-off" period (Friday and Saturday) after the Adviser assured them he would discuss their demands with the Chief Adviser. However, the council has issued a "hardline" warning: if a favorable decision is not reached by Saturday, the indefinite strike will resume on Sunday, February 8.
The Protesters' 4 CORE Demands:
- Cancel the NCT Lease: Rescind the agreement to hand over the terminal to DP World, which protesters call "contrary to national interest."
- Remove the Port Chairman: Immediate resignation of CPA Chairman SM Moniruzzaman, whom they accuse of harassment and mismanagement.
- Withdraw Punitive Actions: Reverse the transfer orders and disciplinary measures taken against 16 workers for leading the movement.
- No Victimization: Guarantees that no administrative action will be taken against any worker involved in the strike.
The Government’s Stance:
Shipping Adviser Sakhawat Hossain emphasized that "no one has the authority to shut down the port," especially with the holy month of Ramadan approaching. He warned that the deadlock is trapping essential consumer goods and aviation fuel, which could trigger an artificial price hike. While he noted that the government intends to proceed with the deal to improve efficiency, he clarified that "no contract will be finalized if it harms the country."
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