Chattogram Port Paralyzed as Workers Begin Indefinite Strike

Chattogram, Feb 8 — Operations at Chattogram Port, the country’s largest seaport, came to a complete halt on Sunday as workers launched an indefinite strike protesting the proposed leasing of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT).
The strike, called by the Chattogram Port Protection Struggle Council, began at 8:00am and has suspended cargo handling and operational activities across jetties, yards, terminals, administrative buildings, and the outer anchorage. As a result, the port has effectively become non-functional.
On-the-ground observations show heavy police presence at key entry points, including Gate No. 4 of the port, while vehicular movement inside the port area remains largely suspended.
In response to the unfolding situation, the port authority instructed around 200 general employees and workers to attend an emergency meeting at the port building’s conference room at 9:30am. However, the protesters rejected the call and refused to participate.
Coordinator of the Port Protection Council and General Secretary of the Chattogram Port unit of the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, Md Ibrahim Khokon, said all activities at the port have remained shut since the morning.
“This indefinite strike will continue until our demands are met,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner (Port) of Chattogram Metropolitan Police, Md Amirul Islam, said law enforcement agencies are maintaining maximum vigilance to ensure security at the port.
“Adequate police forces have been deployed to keep the situation under control,” he added.
Earlier on Saturday afternoon, the Port Protection Council announced the strike programme at a press conference held at the Chattogram Press Club.
In addition to opposing the lease of the NCT, the council’s demands include the removal of Chattogram Port Authority Chairman SM Moniruzzaman, withdrawal of punitive actions taken against protesters, and the cancellation of cases and all forms of legal harassment against labour leaders.