Ctg transport workers, Left Democratic Alliance back SKOP's blockade protesting terminal leasing plan

Transport workers in Chattogram and the Left Democratic Alliance have declared full support for Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad's (SKOP) 26 November blockade of all approach roads to Chattogram Port, escalating protests against the government's lease deals handing Laldiar Char and Pangaon Terminal to foreign operators.

At a meeting today (23 November), leaders from 47 labour organisations under the Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation's Chattogram divisional committee endorsed the 26 November port blockade called by the SKOP. 

They alleged that leasing out the New Mooring Container Terminal, Laldia terminal and Pangaon Inland Container Terminal would "undermine national interests and compromise state sovereignty," particularly given their proximity to sensitive installations including the Navy base, oil refinery and airport.

The meeting, chaired by divisional committee President Mohammad Musha, warned that foreign operational control would provide "unrestricted access" to a high-security zone. 

The federation also demanded an end to "extortion and outside interference" in port areas, the repair of the Bahaddarhat bus terminal, and the removal of administrative hurdles affecting membership contributions.

Meanwhile, the Left Democratic Alliance in Chattogram declared their full support for the blockade at a rally at the Old Railway Station grounds, urging residents to resist any long-term lease of Laldiar Char, Pangaon Terminal, New Mooring, and CCT terminals to foreign entities. 

The alliance also pushed for mass participation in its upcoming Jamuna gherao programme on 4 December.

Adding to the mounting pressure, the Bondor Rokkhya Parishad separately announced that it will enforce its own blockade of the port's three entry gates from 6pm tomorrow (24 November), ahead of the SKOP-led blockade.