Play store
The government has warned of legal action against any attempt to disrupt operations at Chattogram Port ahead of the signing of an agreement with Dubai-based DP World to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT).
The Shipping Ministry issued the warning in an urgent letter on Wednesday, October 7, directing Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) officials to ensure uninterrupted port operations during the signing of the agreement today, October 8.
The ministry instructed all CPA members and heads of departments to remain highly vigilant and perform their duties with utmost caution to keep port activities fully operational.
“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 departmental heads, as well as the personal assistant to the port chairman.
The ministry did not name any specific 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 protest programmes against the agreement. The Chattogram Port Protection Committee has also called for resistance to the proposed leasing of the NCT and Overflow Container Yard to foreign operators.
The opposition intensified this week, with the 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 Thursday afternoon.
Protesters have demanded that the plan to hand over NCT operations to a foreign operator be scrapped, arguing that the terminal is a strategic national asset and should remain under local control.
Port workers have also raised concerns about job security and their future roles following the proposed change in terminal management.
The government, however, has maintained that appointing an experienced international terminal operator would improve efficiency and enhance the competitiveness of Chattogram Port.
The NCT handles a significant share of the port’s container traffic and is a key facility for Bangladesh’s international trade.
Under the proposed 15-year concession, DP World is expected to take operational responsibility for the terminal.