Leftist parties to hold road march on 27-28 June protesting corridor, foreign lease of port

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The Left Democratic Alliance (LDA), a coalition of leftist parties, has announced a two-day 'Road March' from Dhaka to Chattogram on 27-28 June, protesting the proposed humanitarian corridor to Rakhine and leasing of Chattogram Port's New Mooring Container Terminal to foreign entities.

Speaking to The Business Standard today (8 June), Coordinator of the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist) Masud Rana said the decision for the road march was initially declared on 1 June, and the specific dates were confirmed on 4 June.

The programme is a joint initiative of six member parties of the LDA and five parties under the Anti-Fascist Left Alliance.

To garner broader support, the parties will hold a views-exchange meeting with representatives of various professional and social organisations on 16 June, Masud said.

In a statement sent to the media yesterday, LDA leaders strongly opposed any plans to lease strategic infrastructure to foreign companies, calling it a threat to national sovereignty, security, and public interest.

The leaders also alleged that Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus lost his impartiality by announcing elections in April "in the interests of particular parties and groups", ignoring the opinions of most parties and the people.

The alliance condemned statements made by the chief adviser regarding the leasing of the New Mooring terminal, stating that his comments were unacceptable and that his warning against protesters encouraged "mob-like violence." They emphasised that such provocation from someone in a key government role is unacceptable and should be rejected by the public.

LDA leaders noted that the Chattogram Port is profitable and strategically vital. "Leasing it to foreign companies paves the way for compromising the country's sovereignty and security," reads the statement.

The alliance called for unity among all leftist, progressive, and democratic forces to resist such moves.

Masud Rana pointed out that decisions involving national security, sovereignty, and international relations — such as corridor access and port control — require political consensus, which he said the government has failed to seek.

"Despite opposition from most political parties, the government is moving forward in a unilateral and aggressive manner," he said.

He also questioned the interim government's mandate, stating its key responsibilities were to oversee justice, reforms, and hold elections.

"However, judicial activities remain limited, reforms are unclear, and while most parties prefer elections in December, the government is pushing for polls in April, further widening the political divide."

Masud claimed that during the previous Awami League government, discussions to lease the port to DP World were shelved due to strong opposition from port workers.

But the interim government is again proceeding with the leasing plan despite widespread political opposition, he added.