Demand for Cancellation of the New Mooring Terminal Lease Process

The Port Protection Committee of Chittagong has announced a series of intensive national agitation operations to protest the long-term lease of the self-sufficient New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT), and Overflow Yard to Dubai-based DP World. These profitable terminals, which were entirely funded by the port, have caused labor leaders and activists to become deeply concerned about state sovereignty and national economic security. In a Thursday afternoon meeting led by Member Secretary Mr. Fazlul Kabir Mintu and chaired by Committee Convener Engineer Mr. Delwar Hossain, the decision to begin the protests was made.

A torch procession will begin in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Monday afternoon, August 31, to express rapid opposition. After this first demonstration, a three-day agitation program will take place. TUC Chittagong District Committee President Mr. Tapan Datta, former Port CBA General Secretary Mr. Kazi Sheikh Nurullah Bahar, TUC Joint Secretary Mr. Iftekhar Kamal Khan, Nationalist Workers Party leader Mr. Abdul Baten, and General Secretary Mr. Taslim Hossain Selim of the Nationalist Dock Workers Party were among notable speakers at the strategic planning meeting.

The National Press Club’s Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah Hall will host a high-profile debate themed Leasing of Chittagong Port’s NCT-CCT: Threat to Bangladesh’s Economy, National Security, and Sovereignty’ on September 4 at 11:00 AM as part of the following agitation framework. On September 14, beginning at 11:00 AM at the Barik Building crossroads next to the port in Chittagong city, there will be a large protest parade and rally that will head straight toward the port area, where more action plans will be announced.

Committee leaders cautioned against any foreign leasing agreements that may reduce state revenue or undermine government authority, stressing that Chittagong Port is the main entry point for the country’s international trade. They called on people, laborers, professionals, and political organizations to come together behind the port protection flag, regardless of party affiliation. As they wrapped up their requests, the leaders urged the government to put an immediate halt to the leasing process and give top priority to complete accountability, transparency, and the protection of important national assets.