Labour coalition protests move to lease Chattogram port terminal to foreign firm
Chattogram Sramik Parishad to hold extended meeting today to discuss further steps
The Chattogram chapter of the Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad, a coalition of labour organisations, has voiced strong concern over the government's reported move to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port to a foreign entity.
At a views-exchange meeting held today (23 May) at the BILS-LRSC office, speakers questioned the legitimacy of the caretaker government in taking such decisions.
They argued that any major step involving national infrastructure should be left to an elected administration, according to a press release.
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Labour leaders highlighted the strategic importance and operational efficiency of the NCT, which was developed using the port's own funds.
They noted that despite an annual handling capacity of 10 lakh containers, the terminal handled 12.8 lakh containers last year — a result of the efficient use of skilled manpower.
Speakers warned that leasing the terminal to foreign control could threaten national sovereignty and long-term economic interests.
Referring to the lease of the Patenga Container Terminal to Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Gateway Terminal, they claimed the promised investments from that deal have not materialised and the terminal is currently operating at only 10–12% of its capacity.
Calling the proposed lease of NCT a "malicious scheme," they urged all concerned to build resistance to the move.
Handing over strategic national infrastructure under the guise of investment could have serious consequences for Bangladesh's autonomy, they said.
To discuss further steps, the Sramik Parishad has convened an extended meeting today at 10am at the BILS-LRSC office.
The coalition also announced a protest rally for 27 May at 10am, to be held at the Zilla Parishad premises.
A memorandum will be submitted to the deputy commissioner of Chattogram following the rally, urging the government to immediately halt the leasing process.
Today's meeting was presided over by Kazi Sheikh Nurullah Bahar, general secretary of the divisional committee of the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, and moderated by Joint Coordinator of the Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad, Zahed Uddin Shahin.
Prominent labour leaders present included Tapan Dutta, president of the Chattogram District Committee of the Trade Union Centre (TUC) and a member of the Bangladesh Labour Reform Commission; Nurul Absar, general secretary of the Bangladesh Labour Federation (Chattogram Division); Iftikhar Kamal Khan, joint secretary of the TUC's Chattogram District Committee; Rizwanur Rahman Khan, joint secretary of BFTUC; Shafiqul Rahman, divisional publicity secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal; and Fazlul Kabir Mintu, a central organiser of TUC.
