Ctg Port workers announce fresh protests against proposed DP World deal for New Mooring terminal

The Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad, an organisation led by port workers, has announced fresh protest programmes against the proposed handover of Chattogram Port's New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to Dubai-based DP World.

The organisation will hold a human chain from 3pm to 4pm on Tuesday (22 September) and a procession from Fakirhat to the One Stop area at 3pm on 27 September, Humayun Kabir, president of the council, and Ibrahim Khokon, its general secretary, announced at a press conference at a local hotel today (19 September).

The council also demanded the withdrawal of a case filed against 15 port employees over protests against the proposed NCT deal, recruitment against vacant posts at the port and an end to all activities related to handing over the terminal to a foreign operator.

"We believe the government will put Bangladesh's interests first and will not allow a foreign company to operate NCT or any other facility of Chattogram Port," Ibrahim said.

'NCT does not need foreign investment'

Humayun Kabir said the NCT has been operating since 2008 and is already equipped with modern container-handling equipment.

"There is no need for any investment in NCT under its present operational condition. Handing it over to any foreign company would effectively amount to giving away an asset that is already generating substantial revenue," he said.

Humayun claimed that the NCT generates around Tk2,500 crore in net profit annually. 

He also questioned the rationale for bringing in a foreign operator, saying Chattogram Port is already handling more containers than the volume DP World has proposed to handle five years from now.

He said the terminal's existing infrastructure and operational capacity means there is little justification for transferring its management to a foreign company.

Workers raise job concerns

Humayun said the proposed arrangement could affect port workers and employees, including dock workers, merchant workers and around 1,000 Chattogram Port Authority employees currently working at the NCT.

"We tried for the past two years but could not recruit even a single khalasi," he said.

If the recruitment freeze continues, several departments of the port could face operational difficulties within the next year, he warned.

He said Chattogram Port could directly and indirectly provide jobs to around one lakh people and urged the government to maintain and expand that employment base.

Ibrahim Khokon also demanded the withdrawal of the case against 15 port employees.

The port authority had previously taken steps against employees involved in protests over the NCT issue.

Group warns of foreign influence

Ibrahim claimed foreign operation of the terminal could lead to capital outflows, job losses and greater foreign influence over the country's principal seaport.

"If political instability arises in the country, Chattogram Port could be used as a political tool, disrupting the economy and supply chain," he said.

Ibrahim also criticised a recent statement by the Chattogram Port Authority chairman that the availability of operational equipment at NCT has fallen to around 70%, below international standards.

He described the claim as purpose-driven and said an analysis of port documents, equipment procurement records and information from maritime logistics experts did not support it.

He further alleged that 75% of the personnel of a company that conducted a survey inside the port on behalf of DP World were Indian nationals.

NCT deal remains contested

Humayun referred to the early stages of the NCT project, saying a foreign company previously proposed to construct and operate the terminal in return for payments to Bangladesh.

He expressed hope that the current government would also prioritise national interests in deciding the future of the NCT.

The government has continued discussions over involving a foreign operator in NCT, while workers' organisations and civic groups have opposed the proposed arrangement.

The Supreme Court's Appellate Division in March cleared the legal way for the Chattogram Port Authority to enter into an agreement with a foreign operator for NCT, dismissing a challenge to the legality of the process.