Ctg Port Authority seeks ACC probe into assets of 15 protesting employees

The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has sought an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into the movable and immovable assets of 15 port employees involved in recent protest programmes, while also requesting a travel ban to prevent them from leaving the country.

The requests were made in a letter signed by CPA Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim yesterday (5 February) and sent to the Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping. Copies were forwarded to the Shipping Adviser's Office, the ACC and the director Ggeneral of the National Intelligence Agency.

The move came shortly after port workers announced a temporary suspension of their continuous work stoppage, a development that has further heightened tension among employees.

Earlier in the day, the Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad announced a two-day pause in the ongoing work abstention following a meeting with Shipping Adviser M Shakhawat Hossain at the port building. Speaking after the meeting, parishad Coordinator Mohammad Humayun Kabir said the work stoppage would resume from Sunday if the adviser's assurances were not implemented.

The letter names 15 employees, including Sangram Parishad Coordinator Mohammad Humayun Kabir and Mohammad Ibrahim Khokon, both of whom were earlier transferred on deputation to Mongla and Payra ports. The others are Mohammad Faridur Rahman, Mohammad Shafi Uddin, Rashidul Islam, Abdullah Al Mamun, Mohammad Jahirul Islam, Khandaker Masuduzzaman, Mohammad Humayun Kabir (SS Painter), Mohammad Shakil Raihan, Manik Mijhi, Mohammad Shamsu Mia, Mohammad Liakat Ali, Aminur Rasul Bulbul and Mohammad Rabbani.

In the letter, the CPA alleged the employees were involved in activities"against the state" and said investigations into their actions were already underway. It requested that relevant offices and agencies be informed to ensure the individuals are barred from travelling abroad.

In a separate section marked "for ACC only," the CPA asked the commission to investigate all movable and immovable assets of the listed employees and to take necessary action based on the findings.

CPA Director (Admin) Omar Faruk and Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim could not be reached for comment as they did not respond to calls from The Business Standard.

Confirming the issuance of the letter, Ibrahim Khokon, coordinator of the Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad, told The Business Standard that the movement had been postponed for two days in view of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan and assurances from the shipping adviser.

However, he said the CPA's latest move had left the workers disappointed. Describing the letter as "derogatory and provocative," Khokon said it had effectively closed the door to any compromise. He added that the parishad would hold a meeting in the evening to announce a fresh course of agitation.

Notably, protesting the decision to lease out the New Mooring Container Terminal to DP World, the Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad had been observing eight-hour work stoppages for three consecutive days from last Saturday, followed by a continuous work abstention from Tuesday. During this period, instead of initiating dialogue, the port authorities transferred employees, a move that further intensified the agitation.

Following assurances from the shipping adviser, labour leaders suspended the work stoppage for two days yesterday afternoon, with workers scheduled to return to duty on Friday morning. Against this backdrop, the CPA issued the letter, further escalating tensions among port workers.