Police ban all forms of gatherings, excluding election campaigns, in Ctg port area

Bangla Press Desk:  The Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) on Saturday banned all forms of gatherings, except elections campaigns, in and around the sea port area for one month amid ongoing protests by a section of port workers against foreign management of import-export activities.

CMP also called on people passing around the area to avoid carrying materials that can cause bodily harm including stones, brick chips, sticks, explosive materials, firearms and sharp weapons.

CMP Commissioner Hasib Aziz issued a public notification in this regard around 11:30pm on Saturday.

The notification reads that as the Ctg sea port is the “heart of Bangladesh economy,” all kinds of processions, rallies and blockades in the area not only threatens to disrupt port operations but also national security.

The ban on gatherings have been imposed to ensure public security and smooth export-import operations at the port, the notification read.

On Saturday, a section of port workers, allegedly being led by BNP’s labour wing, held processions and rallies near the port, significantly disrupting import-export activities for hours.

They are protesting against the government and High Court’s decision to hand over Chattogram port’s New Mooring Container Terminal to UAE-based DP World, saying the contract with foreigners “threatens national security.”

BP/TD