A group called the Port Protection Council staged a torchlit procession and road blockade on Tuesday evening in Chattogram, protesting what they allege is a move to hand over parts of the country’s main seaport to foreign companies.
The demonstration began around sunset in the Boropol area along the Port Connecting Road. Protesters chanted slogans such as “Chattogram Port Is Our Mother, We Won’t Give It to Foreigners,” “DP World Go Back,” and “Fight for Our Port.”
Speaking at a rally following the procession, Hasan Maruf Rumi, a member of the Political Council of the Ganosamhati Andolan, said that Chattogram Port was built with the people’s tax money and should not be leased out in the name of development.
“Just two days ago, reports showed the port earned 21% more revenue than before. If efficiency is the issue, foreign trainers can be brought in,” he said. “The interim government was formed for justice, reform, and elections. We see justice happening, but not reform. If the port is handed to foreigners in the name of reform, there will be flames across the country.”
Speakers also argued that the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT) are fully capable of operating without foreign investment. Leasing out profitable terminals, they warned, would result in foreign companies siphoning dollars out of the country. While they said they have no objection to foreign investment in the Bay Terminal, they insisted that NCT and CCT must remain under national control.
Labor leaders issued a 40-hour ultimatum, demanding that the decision be withdrawn. Otherwise, they warned, a press conference on November 20 will announce tougher nationwide programs.
