Dhaka – Operations at the Chittagong Port, main maritime gateway for Bangladesh’s trade, are practically shut down due to an indefinite work stoppage. Port workers are protesting the government’s decision to lease the facility to a foreign company.
The protest escalated when workers blocked the vehicle of Shipping Adviser M Sakhawat Hossain upon his arrival for a meeting aimed at resolving the stalemate.
Law enforcement agencies escorted him safely to the venue as demonstrators demanded the cancellation of the deal.
The leasing of Chittagong’s New Mooring Container Terminal to UAE-based port operator DP World was approved earlier this month by Bangladesh’s interim administration, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Workers have been protesting since last Saturday, initially with an eight-hour daily stoppage for three days before moving to an indefinite strike.
The government states that the agreement with DP World is intended to boost terminal efficiency, increase cargo handling capacity, and attract further investment.
Officials say the move aligns with a national strategy to modernize port operations, streamline logistics, and strengthen Bangladesh’s role as a regional trade hub.
Under the agreement, the DP World will manage terminal operations, implement digitalization, and optimize cargo throughput.
Port authorities add that the partnership could catalyze greater private-sector investment in the country’s logistics infrastructure.
However, the protest has brought port operations nearly to a standstill. Container and cargo handling at jetties, yard transfers, and ship movements have been completely halted.
Protesters have positioned themselves at key port entrances, preventing officers and employees from the traffic, electrical, mechanical, and other departments from entering.
In response, an emergency meeting is underway in the port authority’s conference room. Senior port officials and representatives from multiple law enforcement agencies are in attendance. The meeting was called to address the ongoing deadlock and related law-and-order concerns.
According to a letter issued by the port authority on Wednesday, attendees include the Commissioner of Chittagong Metropolitan Police, the Additional Director of the National Security Intelligence, the Regional Commander of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the Commander of the Chittagong Naval Area, the Zonal Commander of the Coast Guard, and officials from Naval Intelligence.
The letter also noted that a request was made to the C&DA, which currently operates the New Mooring Terminal, to send one or two worker representatives to the meeting.
