CAB urges Chattogram port workers to withdraw strike ahead of ramadan

The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), Chattogram division and city committee, has urged workers and employees of Chattogram Port to withdraw their ongoing work stoppage and strike immediately, warning that the disruption could destabilise the supply chain of essential goods ahead of Ramadan and create opportunities for price manipulation.

In a statement issued on 8 February 2026, CAB leaders said Ramadan may begin on 18 or 19 February and that there had been "good progress" this year in the import and supply of consumer goods typically in high demand during the month. They said prices were expected to remain at a tolerable level, but the port disruption could provide "unscrupulous traders" with an opportunity to create an artificial crisis in the market for daily necessities.

The statement was signed by CAB central committee Vice-President SM Nazer Hossain, CAB Chattogram divisional General Secretary Kazi Iqbal Bahar Chhaberi, CAB Metropolitan President Jasmine Sultana Paru, General Secretary Ajay Mitra Shanku, CAB Chattogram South District President Alhaj Abdul Mannan, and CAB Youth Group Chattogram Metropolitan President Abu Hanif Noman, among others.

CAB leaders said the strike, called to protest the decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal, could severely disrupt the flow of consumer goods at a time when there are limited working days before Ramadan due to holidays and weekends. They warned the disruption could be used as an excuse to raise prices of key Ramadan items, including gram, lentils, edible oil, sugar, and dates.

The leaders alleged that business syndicates often exploit disruptions in port operations and cargo clearance to raise prices ahead of Ramadan, turning the month into a period of hardship for consumers. They argued there was "no logical reason" to escalate the agitation at this time and said workers and employees could place their demands before the next elected government.

CAB urged port workers and employees to consider the wider public interest and the potential impact on commodity prices, and called for an immediate end to what it described as "anti-people" activities that may add pressure on consumers during Ramadan.