Chattogram Port Authority warns against protests disrupting operations, vows legal action
The authority called on all concerned to refrain from any unlawful or destructive activities and urged port users and stakeholders to cooperate fully in maintaining smooth operations.
After ordering disciplinary action against port employees taking part in the protest, the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) issued a public notice today (30 January), warning individuals, groups, and organisations against any form of protest or disruptive activity that hampers the normal operations of the country's principal seaport.
In the notice published on CPA's official Facebook page, the port authority said vested groups are attempting to create instability by disrupting routine port activities and undermining the operational environment, despite government decisions and a High Court verdict related to the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT).
The CPA alleged that certain individuals and groups have been staging meetings, rallies, processions, work stoppages and other programmes to spread confusion and obstruct port operations. As a result, regular activities at the port have been disrupted, posing risks to national interests and the continuity of import-export trade, the CPA said.
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Emphasising the port's critical role in the country's economic growth and socio-economic development, the CPA said it is essential to keep Chattogram port safe, functional and efficient at all times.
The authority called on all concerned to refrain from any unlawful or destructive activities and urged port users and stakeholders to cooperate fully in maintaining smooth operations.
The notice further warned that if any person, group or organisation is found to be involved in such activities in violation of the instructions, strict legal action will be taken under applicable laws. These include provisions of the Speedy Trial Act 2002, Government Servants (Conduct) Rules 1979, and the Chattogram Port Employees Service Rules 1991, among others.
The move follows renewed tension at the port after the High Court yesterday upheld the legality of the government's decision to appoint a foreign operator for the NCT. Soon after the verdict, several port workers and officials allegedly staged protests inside the Port Building.
The Chattogram Port unit of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal has also announced a two-day strike at the port today and tomorrow, demanding cancellation of the NCT deal. The Sramik Kormachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP) has expressed support for the strike and announced a black-flag procession towards the Port Building on Sunday.
Earlier, yesterday evening, the CPA issued a notice directing the heads of different departments to take disciplinary actions against the employees who took part in the protest, defying the court order at the port building premises yesterday morning.
