Ctg port workers begin hunger strike against NCT lease

Port workers and other stakeholders began a mass hunger strike in Chattogram on Monday, demanding the cancellation of the proposed lease agreement for the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) with Dubai-based DP World and guarantees of job security.

The hunger strike, organised by Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad and Chattogram Port Protection Community, began at 11am in front of the port’s One Stop Service Building and is scheduled to continue until 4pm.

Leaders of Chattogram Bandar Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal also joined the protest.

Speaking at the programme, Ibrahim Khokon, coordinator of Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad, questioned the government’s decision to hand over NCT operations to DP World under a non-disclosure agreement, saying the lack of transparency had raised concerns.

“We do not know what arguments the government has considered in making this decision. This is a non-disclosure agreement, and the government has not explained how the proposed modernisation will be achieved,” he said.

Khokon questioned whether transferring terminal operations to a foreign company would resolve wider problems in the country’s trade and logistics system, including customs clearance delays, regulatory hurdles and road congestion around the port.

He said the time required to load and unload containers should be distinguished from the time needed to clear imported goods through customs. A vessel carrying 1,000 to 3,000 containers can complete loading and unloading within about 48 hours before leaving the port, he said.

However, the release of imported goods depends on customs clearance and other regulatory procedures beyond the port authority’s independent control.

Khokon also pointed to the port’s dependence on tidal conditions, saying vessels cannot enter or leave at any time of the day, regardless of operational capacity.

He argued that Bangladesh’s logistics challenges could not be resolved simply by changing the terminal operator, stressing the need to address wider infrastructure and procedural bottlenecks.

He demanded that the government explain how handing NCT operations to DP World would improve efficiency and benefit the national economy.

The government has argued that appointing an international terminal operator would expand port capacity, attract foreign investment and improve operational efficiency. Under the proposed arrangement, DP World is expected to operate the terminal and invest in equipment and related facilities.

The proposal has drawn opposition from port workers and other stakeholders over job security, transparency and the implications of transferring terminal operations to a foreign company.

Khokon warned that the protesters would intensify their response if the government failed to address their demands through democratic means.