Ctg Port crisis fuels export fears, price concerns; trade bodies to meet this evening
This is the first time in the history of Chattogram Port that even shipping operations have come to a complete halt
Traders engaged in the country's import and export activities have expressed deep concern over the ongoing deadlock at Chattogram Port, stemming from complications related to the lease of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign company and an ongoing workers' strike.
Business leaders fear the disruption could result in the loss of export markets, while delays in unloading imported goods may push prices beyond the reach of consumers in the domestic market.
Amid the growing crisis, leaders of eight major business organisations are scheduled to meet this evening (5 February) to determine their next course of action.
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Fazlee Shamim, president of the Bangladesh Employers Federation (BEF), told The Business Standard that they will formally present their position following the meeting.
"This is the first time in the history of Chattogram Port that even shipping operations have come to a complete halt. This is not an ordinary crisis," Shamim said.
NCT lease deal: Protesting Ctg Port workers finally meet shipping adviser
He warned that prolonged disruption could lead to the cancellation of export orders, while delays in clearing imported goods from the port could trigger a rise in prices in the local market.
"We are meeting with business leaders today, and our decision will be announced after the meeting," he added.
Earlier in the day, Chattogram Port worker leaders finally agreed to hold talks with Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain to find a resolution as today marks the sixth day of the strike against the lease of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to Dubai-based DP World.
The shipping adviser faced protest by workers when he visited the Bandar Bhaban at Chattogram Port to assess the situation this morning.
As a result of the shutdown, more than 11,000 export-laden containers have remained stranded at the port.
The protest started last Saturday (31 January) with an eight-hour daily work stoppage from 8am to 4pm, before escalating over the government's lack of response.
According to labour leaders, the authorities moved ahead with preparations to sign the lease and attempted to suppress the movement by transferring leaders, prompting the Bandar Rokkha Sangram Oikya Parishad to announce a 24-hour shutdown from Tuesday morning, followed by an indefinite strike from yesterday (4 February).
Chattogram business leaders met labour representatives yesterday afternoon, expressing moral support for the movement while urging alternative protests to limit economic losses, but labour leaders refused to withdraw the stoppage and reiterated their demand to cancel the DP World lease.
