Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad announces Chattogram port blockade on 26 November

The Chattogram divisional convention of the Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP) today (22 November) announced a three-hour blockade of Chattogram port on 26 November, escalating protests against the government's plan to lease out key port facilities to domestic and foreign companies.

The convention, held at the July Revolution Hall of the Chattogram Press Club, was chaired by Kazi Sheikh Nurullah Bahar, divisional general secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal. SKOP Joint Coordinator Rizwanur Rahman Khan conducted the programme.

Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, head of the Labour Reform Commission and a noted labour expert, attended as the chief guest. Senior SKOP Leaders Abdul Kader Hawlader, Mezbah Uddin Ahmed, Anwar Hossain, Saifuzzaman Badsha, Ahsan Habib Bulbul and AAM Faez Hossain also spoke.

Sultan Uddin Ahmed said the country needs a national agenda that addresses port corporatisation, jute mill leases, the closure of state-run factories, and the erosion of labour rights. He urged business leaders to join workers in defending Chattogram port, arguing that protecting national assets is a shared responsibility. He also called for joint worker–business consultations in Dhaka after the 26 November programme to build long-term unity.

The convention unanimously rejected any lease of profitable port facilities, including the New Mooring Container Terminal, describing the move as a threat to national interests, worker livelihoods and state security. SKOP declared a blockade on 26 November from 10am to 1pm at three points: in front of the Agrabad Power House, near Milematha and at the entrance of the Boropool Port Connecting Road.

The gathering demanded an immediate halt to all leasing initiatives and the cancellation of what it described as secret and non-transparent agreements involving Laldiar Char and the Pangaon terminal. Speakers argued that the interim government's mandate is limited to holding elections and transferring power, not signing new contracts with local or foreign entities.

Reading out the declaration, Nurullah Bahar criticised the renewed restrictions in the port area and said such measures would not deter the movement. He accused the authorities of attempting to sideline public mobilisation and warned of stronger action if leasing plans continue. He also condemned alleged covert deals involving Laldiar Char and the Pangaon terminal.

Tapan Dutta, a member of the Labour Reform Commission, said the 26 November blockade is only the beginning. If needed, SKOP will call for shutdowns or strikes in the next phase of protests.