Protests in Capital Against Deal with DP World

Leaders and activists from several leftist political organizations, including the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) and the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Basad), staged a demonstration in Dhaka’s Agargaon on Thursday protesting a 15-year concession agreement with UAE-based DP World to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chittagong Port. Protesters alleged that police subsequently baton-charged them to disperse the crowd.

The demonstration began around 2:00 PM outside the Invest Bangladesh office in Agargaon. Around 2:45 PM, police baton-charged the crowd to clear the area. Amid the unrest, the 15-year concession agreement with DP World for NCT operations was formally signed inside the Invest Bangladesh auditorium at 3:00 PM.

Speaking at the protest, CPB President Sajjad Zahir Chandan stated that demonstrators gathered under the Anti-Imperialism and Anti-War Alliance to oppose the agreement, calling it equivalent to selling off the country. He alleged that DP World has links with the US Navy, claiming that handing over operational control could open pathways for foreign interference in Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, giving external forces access to local seaports and airports.

Mr. Chandan condemned the police action, calling it an unprovoked assault on a peaceful gathering. CPB claimed that several party leaders and activists, including Mr. Chandan himself sustained injuries during the baton charge. Mr. Chandan remarked that those facilitating the deal would be remembered as traitors, adding that leftist groups will continue their resistance to protect national assets.

Opposition to handing over NCT operations to DP World has drawn sustained pushback from trade unions, civic platforms, and political parties. NCT remains one of the primary and most vital container-handling facilities in Chittagong Port.