Written by The Banking Post
Operations at Chattogram Port remained paralysed for a third straight day on Wednesday as dock workers and terminal staff continued their strike protesting the proposed handover of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to UAE-based DP World.
The work stoppage, called by the Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad, has brought all port activities to a standstill since 8:00am on Monday. Loading and unloading at jetties remain suspended, while cargo vans, trailers and lorries have been barred from entering the port, creating a complete operational deadlock.
Port users say no work has been carried out at general cargo berths for three consecutive days, with labour booking suspended throughout the period.
A coordinator of the protest said the strike has now formally entered its third day, adding that activities inside the port have remained shut since Monday morning as workers joined the protest en masse against foreign involvement in terminal operations.
The Jatiotabadi Sramik Dal unit at the port, which initially announced an eight-hour strike for Saturday and Sunday, extended the programme into Monday, vowing to continue opposition to the terminal transfer.
In response, the Chattogram Port Authority has taken disciplinary measures, transferring several officials accused of involvement in the protest and forming a committee to assess revenue losses caused by the disruption.
Citing security concerns, the Chattogram Metropolitan Police has imposed a one-month ban on rallies, gatherings and processions in and around the port area, effective from midnight Saturday, as the standoff shows no immediate sign of resolution.
