Written by The Banking Post
Operational activities at the Chattogram Port resumed on Friday after a six-day disruption, as port workers temporarily suspended their strike for two days following talks with the shipping adviser.
With the work stoppage lifted, loading and unloading of goods and containers restarted at jetties and the outer anchorage, while transportation by trucks, lorries and prime movers also returned to normal from the morning.
Even as operations resumed, the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) moved to tighten administrative control, barring 15 of its employees from leaving the country. The officials were earlier transferred to Mongla and Payra ports after protesting against the decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal to a foreign operator.
The CPA has also sought a probe into the movable and immovable assets of the employees, requesting the Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Security Intelligence to conduct investigations. A formal letter to this effect was sent to the shipping ministry on Thursday, signed by the CPA secretary (additional charge).
According to the letter, the employees were transferred on February 2 for allegedly engaging in activities deemed disruptive and creating disorder at the port under the banner of recent protest movements. An internal investigation against them is currently underway.
Labour leaders said the decision to suspend the strike for two days was taken after negotiations with the shipping adviser, raising hopes of further dialogue to avert renewed disruption at the country’s busiest seaport.
