Port Protection Committee stages torch procession against leasing Ctg Port terminals

The Port Protection Committee today (22 July) staged a torch procession in Chattogram, demanding that the government cancel all initiatives to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT) and any other facilities of Chattogram Port to foreign or private operators.

The procession, held from Cheragi Pahar intersection to Laldighi after a rally, was organised symbolically at the request of the local administration, organisers said.

Speakers at the rally described Chattogram Port as a strategic national asset vital to the country's economy and national security.

They alleged that leasing its profitable terminals to foreign or private operators would undermine Bangladesh's economic interests, workers' livelihoods and national sovereignty, arguing that the port should instead be modernised through state-led initiatives.

The speakers claimed the government had ignored months of protests, rallies and human chains against the proposal. They also alleged that while a similar move during the Awami League government's tenure failed due to public opposition, the current government was pursuing the same course.

They criticised the formation of a government "support team" to facilitate the leasing process, saying it reflected disregard for public opinion, and warned that any agreement signed without public consent would be remembered as a "black agreement" against the country's interests.

Port Protection Committee Convener Engineer Delwar Majumder announced a march towards Chattogram Port from Badamtali intersection in Agrabad at 11am on 2 August and urged workers, professionals, students, youth and citizens to join.

The rally, chaired by Delwar Majumder and conducted by Member Secretary Fazlul Kabir Mintu, was also addressed by AM Nazim Uddin, Kazi Sheikh Nurullah Bahar, Mohammad Harun, Taslim Hossain Selim, Iftekhar Kamal Khan, Mohammad Abdul Baten, Abdur Rahim and Nur Hossain.