Operations at Chattogram port were largely halted today (31 January) as workers staged a pre-announced strike against the leasing of the New Mooring Container Terminal to DP World, disrupting the seaport that handles 90% of Bangladesh’s international trade.
Since morning, hundreds of vehicles lined up at various entry points to deliver goods, but with most unloading and cargo-handling activities suspended, vehicles could not enter the port.
Sheikh Nurullah Aahar, general secretary of the port unit of Sramik Dal, told The Business Standard (TBS) that workers and staff have refused to report to duty from this morning.
All port equipment has been shut down, and container handling operations have come to a stop, he said.
Workers gathered at different gates of the port to stage their protest, according to union leaders.
Humayun Kabir, another port workers’ leader, described the strike as “100% successful” and said the workers have rejected the authority’s “unjust decision.”
He added that the strike will continue tomorrow.
When TBS contacted Chittagong Port Authority Director Md Omar Faruk for comment, he said he was busy and ended the call.
Earlier, on Thursday afternoon, the port authority issued a notice warning workers that participation in protests or strikes could lead to administrative action.
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