Govt warns of legal action over Ctg Port disruption as DP World NCT deal looms

The Shipping Ministry has directed Chattogram Port officials to ensure uninterrupted operations and warned of legal action against any attempts to disrupt port activities ahead of the signing of an agreement with Dubai-based DP World to operate the  New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) today (8 September).

The directive came in an urgent letter issued by the Ministry of Shipping yesterday (7 October).

The ministry instructed all heads of departments at the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) to remain highly vigilant and perform their duties with utmost caution to keep port operations fully functional.

“If any attempt is made to disrupt operational activities, the matter must immediately be brought to the attention of the higher authorities and appropriate action must be taken in accordance with the law and regulations,” said the letter signed by CPA Director Md Nasir Uddin.

The letter was sent to all CPA members and heads of departments, as well as the personal assistant to the port chairman.

The ministry did not identify any particular group or activity as a potential source of disruption. The directive comes amid growing opposition from port workers, labour organisations and port protection groups to the proposed handover of NCT operations to a foreign operator.

Several labour and port worker organisations have announced programmes opposing the agreement, while the Chattogram Port Protection Committee has called for resistance against the proposed leasing of NCT and the Overflow Container Yard to foreign operators.

Protests intensify

Opposition to the deal intensified this week, with the Chattogram Port Protection Committee and several labour organisations holding rallies and a torch procession in Chattogram.

The Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad has also announced a protest rally for this afternoon.

The protesters have demanded cancellation of plans to hand over NCT operations to a foreign operator, arguing that the terminal is a strategic national asset and should remain under local control.

The proposed agreement has also raised concerns among port workers over their jobs and future roles following the change in terminal management.

The government, however, has maintained that engaging an experienced international terminal operator will improve efficiency and strengthen the competitiveness of Chattogram Port.

NCT handles a significant share of Chattogram Port’s container traffic and is a critical facility for Bangladesh’s international trade.

Under the proposed 15-year concession, DP World is expected to take operational responsibility for the terminal.

The Business Standard contacted the Chittagong Port Authority for comment, but calls and messages went unanswered.