Protesters block three entry points to Chattogram port

Bangla Press Desk:   Leaders of the Shramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP) are blocking access to the Chattogram port’s entry gates in protest, accusing the authorities of manoeuvring to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to DP World and demanding the cancellation of lease agreements for Laldia Char and Pangaon.

The blockade began at 10am on Wednesday at three entry points: Mile’r Matha (Seamen’s Hostel), the Toll Plaza gate on Toll Road, and Baropul. SKOP leaders said the demonstrations would continue until 1pm.

Protesters chanted slogans, including “We will not give our motherland and rivers to foreigners” and “Workers of the world, unite and fight.”

Shramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad leaders said BIDA’s chief executive, Ashiq Chowdhury, stated on the day of the Laldia Char and Pangaon lease that the NCT contract would be finalised within seven days. “This statement is unacceptable. The interim government holds neither moral nor legal authority to make strategic agreements,” they said.

Speakers stressed that the port is the country's lifeline and that NCT remains a fully self-sustaining, profitable facility. “We will not allow the port to be handed over to foreign entities. SKOP has been conducting a sustained movement. If necessary, we will call a strike. The government’s only responsibility now is to hold elections — so hold them immediately,” they stated.

SK Khoda Toton, central president of the Bangladesh Workers Federation, warned: “We have the capacity to bring the port to a standstill. But we are giving time. Withdraw the decision to hand over the terminal to foreigners, or we will be compelled to escalate.”

Labour leader Khorshed Alam said: “NCT is a profitable establishment. No nation leases out its profitable facilities. We strongly condemn this leasing attempt. We must resist — we will not let the country be sold. We are ready to sacrifice our lives if required.”

Ifthekhar Kamal, joint secretary of the Trade Union Centre, noted: “SKOP’s pre-declared port blockade has started at 10am. at three entry locations — Mile’r Matha, the Toll Plaza gate, and Baropul.”

BP/SP