Ctg Port operations paralysed for fourth day as 24-hour strike begins over proposed NCT lease

Following three consecutive days of eight-hour work stoppages, workers and employees at Chattogram Port began a 24-hour full-scale strike at 8am today (3 February), demanding the cancellation of the government's decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to Dubai-based operator DP World. 

As a result, all operations at the country's key economic gateway came to a complete standstill.

Port workers and employees are participating in the strike spontaneously, Humayun Kabir, coordinator of the Chattograpm Port Rokkha Songram Oikkya Parishad, told The Business Standard. 

He warned that the strike will continue indefinitely if the government does not withdraw what he described as a decision contrary to national interests regarding the NCT lease.

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Although several vessels remain berthed at the port jetties, no container or cargo handling is taking place. 

With all cranes and equipment shut down and workers leaving the port premises, cargo delivery operations are also suspended. 

Consequently, thousands of heavy vehicles arriving to deliver export goods or collect imported cargo have been stranded.

Failure to unload cargo on time has forced importers to pay additional storage rent, while exporters fear irreparable financial losses as delayed shipments risk order cancellations.

Moreover, with many containers carrying consumer goods stuck at the port, concerns have emerged over possible shortages and price hikes in the market ahead of Ramadan.

Business leaders and economists warn that the unprecedented crisis could deepen further and trigger severe economic fallout, as the port authorities and labour organisations remain locked in a rigid standoff over the NCT lease.

Attempts to contact Chittagong Port Authority Director (Administration) Md Omar Faruk for comment were unsuccessful.