SKOP rejects CPA chief's defence of NCT concession plan

The Chattogram chapter of the Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP) has rejected the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) chairman's defence of the proposed concession of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), saying his remarks failed to address growing concerns over plans to involve a foreign operator in managing one of the country's busiest and most profitable port terminals.

In a statement issued today (2 July), the labour alliance accused the CPA chairman of attempting to "conceal the reality" instead of responding to concerns surrounding the proposed long-term concession of the NCT.

The statement came a day after the CPA chairman said the proposed involvement of UAE state-owned port operator DP World in managing the terminal is part of a broader Bangladesh-UAE partnership. He also assured that no compromise would be made on Bangladesh's national interests during the operator selection process.

Rejecting that assurance, SKOP said the real issue was not whether the operator would be local or foreign, but why the government was considering handing over the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT) under long-term concession agreements.

"If the government truly prioritised national interests, there would be no discussion about handing over NCT and CCT to foreign operators," the organisation said.

According to SKOP, the best way to safeguard national interests is to keep the operation, management and control of Chattogram Port under the Chittagong Port Authority while continuing to run the terminals with local manpower and expertise.

The organisation argued that NCT has been operating successfully under local management for years and remains one of the port's most profitable terminals. It said there has been no convincing explanation for why a foreign operator is needed when Bangladeshi officials, employees and workers have been managing the terminal efficiently.

SKOP also raised concerns that the proposed concession could undermine national economic interests, employment, workers' rights and the state's long-term control over strategic port infrastructure.

The alliance called on the government and the CPA to make public the details of the ongoing discussions, including the proposed concession terms and their financial and administrative implications.

"Deciding the future of national assets behind closed doors is unacceptable," the statement said.

SKOP said it is not opposed to development or foreign investment, but insisted that any initiative weakening national ownership, workers' rights or state control over strategic infrastructure would be unacceptable.

The organisation demanded an immediate halt to all initiatives to lease or concession NCT and CCT to any domestic or foreign operator. It also announced plans to intensify its movement, together with port workers and what it described as patriotic citizens, against any decision it believes would go against the country's national interests.