“We Will Never Hand Over Chittagong Port, Even at the Cost of Our Lives”
Chittagong Port worker leaders have declared strong resistance against plans to hand over operations of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and the Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT) to foreign companies, pledging to protect the port even at the cost of their lives.
The announcement came during a protest rally organized by the Port Shramik Dal and Port Protection Action Council on Saturday evening at the Chittagong Port Colony area. Speakers opposed moving forward with Dubai-based DP World for NCT operations and allocating CCT and the General Cargo Berth (GCB) to other private operators.
Port Shramik Dal leader Nurul Azim emphasized that workers would lay down their lives before giving up control of the NCT, urging the government to consult workers and relevant stakeholders before taking critical decisions.
Ibrahim Khokon, coordinator of the Port Protection Action Council, called for a complete review of the terminal leasing and concession process, demanding that the government explain its reasons for selecting DP World and reaffirming their opposition to foreign operator control.
Giving the government five days to initiate discussions, Mr. Khokon warned of escalating demonstrations. He announced a sit-in program in front of Chittagong Customs on October 5, followed by a torch procession on October 7.
Action Council co-coordinator Humayun Kabir added that the issue extends beyond worker interests, threatening the national economy and foreign trade, and reiterated calls for formal dialogue prior to any final decision.
