Ctg Port paralysed by strike over NCT deal as workers defy warnings
From morning to late afternoon, workers stayed off the job demanding cancellation of the NCT deal, effectively paralysing the country’s principal gateway for trade
Chattogram Port was thrown into fresh turmoil today (31 January) as workers and employees observed a daylong work stoppage protesting the port authority's move to sign a contract with foreign operator DP World to run the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) ahead of the national election.
The agitation went ahead despite a port authority notice warning of strict administrative and legal action against anyone joining protests or strikes.
From morning to late afternoon, workers stayed off the job demanding cancellation of the contract process, effectively paralysing the country's principal gateway for trade.
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Port operations ground to a halt, with container loading and unloading suspended at jetties and cargo movement from inside the port to outside completely stopped. Long queues of heavy trucks formed both inside and outside the port area as trailers, lorries, and container trucks were barred from entering or exiting through the main gates.
Customs agents and their staff who arrived to clear imported goods faced severe disruption, while drivers and transport workers bringing cargo from distant districts were left stranded.
Port officials said operations resumed after 4pm when workers returned to duty, but it took several more hours for activities to gain momentum. Officials and stakeholders noted that such a complete shutdown of the port is rare, particularly over the past two decades.
Despite the unrest, the government remains firm on proceeding with the deal and is moving swiftly to complete the remaining formalities. A senior official of the Public Private Partnership Authority, speaking to The Business Standard on condition of anonymity, confirmed that preparations are under way to finalise the agreement.
"If everything goes as planned, the process of signing the contract will be completed this week," the official said.
In protest against the advancing contract process, trade union-backed labour organisations at Chattogram Port launched the strike from 8am, suspending all operational activities. Movement of cargo-laden vehicles through the port's main gate was halted.
Defying an official directive banning rallies and gatherings in the port area, workers also staged protest marches and sit-ins from around 11am. The demonstrations added to the suffering of truck drivers, transport workers, and those linked to import-export operations.
Workers and employees warned that leasing the terminal to a foreign entity could threaten national security and lead to job losses. They argued that NCT is a highly profitable facility and questioned the rationale for handing it over despite sustained earnings and recent modernisation.
According to port data, NCT generated revenue of Tk1,049 crore in FY2020-21, with a net profit of Tk233 crore. Earnings and profits have risen steadily, reaching Tk1,700 crore in revenue and Tk650 crore in profit in FY2024-25. Over the past five years, the terminal has also been upgraded with new equipment to improve efficiency.
Labour leaders said tougher programmes would be announced if the process of leasing the "profit-making terminal" to a foreign company is not stopped.
Security across the port area was tightened during the strike, with additional law enforcement deployed to prevent any untoward incident.
Attempts to contact Chattogram Port Authority officials for comment were unsuccessful. However, the authority earlier reiterated through a notice that disciplinary action would be taken against employees participating in protests or work stoppages over the NCT issue.
In a statement, Humayun Kabir, coordinator of the Port Protection Movement Council, said workers' organisations have long been campaigning to keep the port operational and safeguard the interests of employees and national trade. He said different labour groups have united under the banner of the Chattogram Port Protection Unity Council to continue future movements.
The statement also criticised the decision-making process surrounding the NCT lease, alleging pressure and irregularities in negotiations over per-TEU rates. Labour leaders demanded the removal of those they accused of pushing the deal and called for an immediate halt to what they described as activities harmful to national interests.
Several union leaders addressed rallies during the day, reiterating opposition to the DP World lease and warning that agitation would intensify if their demands were ignored.
