Written by The Banking Post
The Chittagong Port Authority has asked the Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the movable and immovable assets of 15 port workers involved in protests against the planned leasing of the New Mooring Container Terminal to a foreign operator.
In a separate move, the port authority has also written to the relevant government offices seeking restrictions on the overseas travel of the same individuals, alleging their involvement in activities deemed harmful to the state.
The requests were made in a letter signed by Port Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim on Thursday. The letter named 15 members of the Port Protection Struggle Council, including its coordinator and several fellow organisers, for investigation and possible action.
Port workers and employees began a work stoppage last Saturday to oppose the handover of NCT operations. The protest escalated into an indefinite strike from Tuesday, severely disrupting port activities and bringing operations at the country’s main seaport close to a standstill.
In an effort to contain the movement, the port authority transferred 16 employees in phases to different locations. Later, another 15 workers were reassigned to Mongla and Payra ports. The latest letter seeks further action against these 15 employees.
The letter said the employees concerned were engaged in anti-state activities and that investigations were already under way. It urged authorities to impose restrictions to prevent them from leaving the country and requested the ACC to examine their assets and take action if irregularities are found.
Amid mounting pressure, the shipping adviser visited the port and held talks with the protesters. Following the meeting, the workers agreed to suspend their strike for two days starting Thursday evening.
Responding to the development, the movement council’s coordinator said they had learned about the letters and would decide their next course of action accordingly.
