Third day of work stoppage brings Ctg Port to a standstill
Business leaders warn that if the stalemate continues, it could severely affect supply chains, export shipments and overall economic activity at a time of growing pressure on the logistics sector.
Chattogram port remained paralysed for a third consecutive day today (2 February) as workers and employees continued their work stoppage demanding cancellation of the decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign operator.
Despite regular booking of labour, port operations failed to resume, with around 7,000 registered workers and employees staying away from work.
The work stoppage began at 8am and brought all activities at the country's principal seaport to a halt.
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Cargo handling at jetties stopped completely, leaving several berthed vessels unable to discharge goods on time.
Besides, thousands of heavy vehicles carrying import and export cargo were seen stranded inside and around the port area, worsening congestion and delaying the delivery of goods.
Fazle Ekram Chowdhury, president of the Berth Operators Association, told The Business Standard that workers did not report for duty during the morning shift despite being booked.
"We have around 7,000 to 8,000 registered workers. Even after booking them, they are not joining work. As a result, goods cannot be unloaded from vessels berthed at the jetties on time. We are incurring huge losses," he said.
From the protesters' side, Humayun Kabir, coordinator of the Port Protection Movement Unity Council, said workers are voluntarily refraining from work.
"This movement is for the survival of workers and employees and for the country's interest. Workers are joining the programme spontaneously," he said.
The work stoppage is part of ongoing protests against the government's move to hand over the NCT to a foreign company, a decision that has triggered repeated strikes and demonstrations at the port in recent weeks.
The protests have already disrupted supply chains, raising concerns among exporters, importers and shipping agents.
Attempts to contact Chattogram Port Authority Director (Administration) Md Omar Faruk for comment were unsuccessful as he did not respond to phone calls.
Chattogram port handles more than 90% of Bangladesh's seaborne trade.
Business leaders warn that if the stalemate continues, it could severely affect supply chains, export shipments and overall economic activity at a time of growing pressure on the logistics sector.
