Ctg port workers stage 'mass hunger strike', demand cancellation of DP World deal
Protesters demand job security, transparency over DP World's proposed operations, and consultations with stakeholders.
Port workers and other stakeholders staged a "mass hunger strike" in Chattogram today (12 October), demanding the cancellation of a 15-year deal with UAE-based DP World to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal and job security for port employees.
The strike, organised by Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad and Chattogram Bandar Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, began at 11am in front of the port's One Stop Service Building and was scheduled to continue until 4pm.
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However, the protesters left the area at around 1:30pm, describing the day's programme as a symbolic hunger strike. They announced plans to stage another mass hunger strike on 19 October.
Speaking at the protest, Ibrahim Khokon, coordinator of Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad, questioned the government's decision to hand over NCT operations to Dubai-based DP World under a non-disclosure agreement, saying the lack of transparency had left key questions unanswered.
"We do not know what arguments the government has considered in making this decision. This is a non-disclosure agreement, and the government has not explained how the proposed modernisation will be achieved," he said.
Ibrahim also questioned how transferring terminal operations to a foreign company would resolve broader bottlenecks in Bangladesh's trade and logistics system.
He said under-invoicing by importers, delays in customs clearance and difficulties in obtaining regulatory approvals imposed significant costs on businesses. He also questioned what steps the government was taking to address these problems and ease road congestion around the port.
"If you want to develop the country's logistics sector, what are you doing about road congestion, customs clearance and other bottlenecks? We have not seen adequate steps to accelerate these processes," he said.
On Thursday, the Chittagong Port Authority signed a 15-year concession agreement with DP World to operate and maintain the terminal.
Port workers and their supporters have long opposed the deal, staging rallies, human chains, torch processions and other programmes demanding its cancellation.
But the government argued that appointing an international terminal operator would boost port capacity, attract foreign investment and improve operational efficiency.
Ibrahim also stressed that the time required to handle containers at the port should not be confused with the time needed to clear imported goods through customs.
A vessel carrying between 1,000 and 3,000 containers can have its cargo unloaded and new containers loaded within around 48 hours before leaving the port, he said.
However, the release of imported goods depends on customs clearance and other regulatory procedures, which the port authority cannot control independently.
"If the government does not listen to us through democratic means, we will take steps to make it listen to our demands," Ibrahim said
