Chattogram:Labour organisations at Chittagong Port have announced a mass hunger strike on October 12, protesting the recent agreement with Dubai-based DP World to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) for 15 years.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the announcement was made at a rally in the port area shortly after the agreement was signed in Dhaka under a public-private partnership arrangement. The deal, finalized at 3 p.m. at the Invest Bangladesh Authority auditorium, grants DP World operational control of the largest container terminal at Chattogram Port.
The agreement has sparked protests, with several left-leaning political parties and organisations staging a sit-in outside the signing venue in Dhaka. In Chattogram, labour groups held a procession and rally in the port area, demanding the immediate cancellation of the agreement, which they argue is detrimental to national interests.
Labour leaders have warned of further actions, including a complete port shutdown, if their demands are not met. Humamun Kabir, coordinator of Chattogram Bandar Rakkha Sangram Parishad, emphasized the importance of the NCT, describing it as the "heart" of Chattogram Port and advocating for its operation under Bangladeshi management.
In response to the protests in Dhaka, police dispersed a demonstration in front of the Invest Bangladesh Authority. The protest, organized by groups such as the Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal and Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, was broken up by police using batons to clear the road for traffic. Officer-in-Charge of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station Monir Hossain stated that the action was necessary to maintain vehicular movement.