Demand to Cancel NCT Lease Deal: Port-side Sit-in Announced for Monday
Leaders of the Port Protection Committee have raised strong objections regarding the government’s speed in proceeding with the lease agreement for the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), a key facility at Chattogram Port. Speaking at a press conference held on Saturday, October 3, at the Chattogram Press Club, committee leaders announced an ongoing agitation program demanding transparency and accountability. As part of their protest, they called for a day-long sit-in program at the main gate of Chattogram Port on Monday, October 5.
The committee demanded the immediate cancellation of the proposed 15-year draft concession agreement with foreign operator DP World for the operation and maintenance of the NCT and the Overflow Container Yard. Additionally, they urged the government to halt all initiatives aimed at leasing out the Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT). Addressing the gathering, Member Secretary Fazlul Kabir Mintu noted that on October 1, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs granted policy approval to the draft concession agreement, raising serious national concerns.
Mr. Mintu criticized the government’s decision-making process, highlighting that the proposal regarding this nationally critical and strategic infrastructure was placed under the ‘Miscellaneous’ agenda. Questioning why such a pivotal matter was not thoroughly discussed as a primary agenda item, he remarked, ‘The NCT is one of the primary container terminals of the port. Leasing or granting a concession for 15 years cannot be treated as a routine administrative or commercial decision.’ He emphasized the terminal’s vital link to public revenue and commerce.
Before taking such a long-term decision, the committee argued, the government should publish a transparent comparative assessment detailing potential state revenues under public management, capacity expansion, automation, and overall financial benefits. Mr. Mintu questioned why the current government, within just a few months of taking office while managing critical economic challenges, is in such a hurry to lease strategic state assets under long-term concessions. He urged authorities to clarify this urgency and publish a comprehensive evaluation detailing the economic risks involved.
The committee clarified that their peaceful movement is not against the government, but rather an effort to safeguard state assets and national interests. Mr. Mintu noted that despite proposing a national dialogue and seeking a meeting with the PM, they have received no effective response. Consequently, the leaders demanded the withdrawal of the Shipping Ministry’s lease letter regarding CCT and called for the dismissal of false cases and retaliatory transfers targeting port trade union leaders during the interim government’s tenure.
Reiterating their upcoming program, the committee stated that they will conduct a day-long sit-in at the Chattogram Port main gate on Monday, October 5. They warned that if the government fails to clear its stance and cancel the lease initiatives for NCT and CCT by then, a tougher phase of agitation will be announced directly from the event. The leaders urged citizens across all political affiliations, professions, and walks of life to unite and participate in the movement to protect state assets.
The press conference was attended by prominent labor organization leaders, including Kazi Sheikh Nurullah Bahar, General Secretary of the Chattogram Divisional Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal and former Port CBA Secretary, and Tapan Dutta, President of the TUC Chattogram District Committee. Other notable figures present included SK Khoda Toton, Sha Ma Jamal Uddin, Iftekhar Kamal Khan, Robiul Haq Shimul, Khorshed Alam, Md. Harun, Taslim Hossain Selim, Abdul Baten, Ibrahim Faraji, Rizwanur Rahman Khan, Abdur Rauf Liton, and Abu Bakkar Siddique.
