Hunger strike called for today at Chattogram Port is put off

The hunger strike set for today, Monday, at Chattogram Port has been put off. The Chattogram Bandar Raksha Sangram Parishad had announced it earlier. Leaders of the council said this yesterday. The council wants the lease deal for the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) with the foreign company DP World to be cancelled.

The council also wants job security for port workers and employees, along with its other demands. Those involved said a meeting was held yesterday in Dhaka. Shipping Minister Mr. Sheikh Robiul Alam, State Minister Mr. Md. Rajib Ahsan and senior officials of the Ministry of Shipping attended. Council coordinator Mr. Md. Humayun Kabir, Mr. Ibrahim Khokon and other leaders also took part.

The council decided to put off the hunger strike after useful talks on their demands at the meeting. Council leaders said they believe in democratic, peaceful and lawful protest. They said they trust the government to meet their fair demands and to act to protect the port and the national interest. They said it may not be possible to meet all demands at once.

They said they hope the government will act with a positive view. They also said Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman will visit Chattogram tomorrow, Tuesday. They said they gave full respect and top importance to his visit. Taking everything together, they decided to put off Monday’s hunger strike.

Last week, the council announced the hunger strike program during a mass hunger strike. It was held in front of the One Stop Service building at Chattogram Port. The protesters demanded that the New Mooring lease deal be cancelled.