Chattogram Port workers stage demo demanding wages be paid thru port authority
Members of the Chattogram Port Berth and Terminal Operators Merchant Workers Unity Council formed a human chain on Wednesday to press home an eight-point demand, including payment of wages through the port authority.
The protest was held in front of the Chattogram Port area at noon.
Speakers at the programme said berth and terminal workers have long risked their lives to keep port operations running, yet continue to be deprived of their fair entitlements.
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They demanded that owners' names be withdrawn from port identity cards, booking and wage disbursement be carried out directly through the port authority, and the wage list for the fiscal year 2025–26 be published in line with the annual 10 percent increment decision.
They further called for bringing all workers and employees employed under different companies within the labour wing of the port, ensuring that daily wage labourers are paid in accordance with entitlements, and paying workers at the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT) at the same rate as those at the General Cargo Berth (GCB).
The workers also demanded that retirement benefits and dependent employment be confirmed within 90 days of retirement, and that retired workers or employees receive an honorarium allowance until death.
"If our demands are not met, we will be forced to launch tougher movements in the coming days," said Md Ariful Islam, member secretary of the unity council.
He said the struggle will continue until workers receive justice.
