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Published : 05 Feb 2026, 11:14 PM
Business leaders have urged the government to act swiftly to resolve the deadlock at Chittagong Port, warning that the ongoing shutdown could trigger an economic “catastrophe” before the national election.
In a joint statement on Thursday, 10 trade organisations said the stalemate over leasing the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to foreign operator DP World has paralysed the country’s main seaport.
They cautioned that unless the crisis is resolved immediately, recovery will be impossible.
The statement noted that import‑export activities have halted, raising fears of price hikes during Ramadan.
The signatories included Bangladesh Employers’ Federation, Bangladesh Chamber Of Industries, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce And Industry, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association, Bangladesh Textile-Apparel and Allied Trade Bodies, Bangladesh Garments Accessories & Packaging Manufacturers & Exporters Association and Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association.
The protest began last week under the banner of the Nationalist Labour Party and later continued as the Port Protection Struggle Council.
Their non-stop work stoppage shut down cargo berths and container jetties, halting ship movements from the outer anchorage.
On Thursday afternoon, the council suspended the strike for two days following a meeting with the shipping advisor.
Earlier in the day, leaders of the 10 trade bodies held an emergency meeting at the BTMA office in Dhaka’s Gulshan.
The statement said: “For the first time in Chittagong Port’s history, ship movements have been completely stopped. This rare crisis has paralysed the country’s principal seaport, the heart of the national economy.
“A single day’s closure means direct losses of several thousand crore taka. With import‑export activities stalled, especially in the garment sector, the country faces irreparable damage.”
The leaders urged: “In the greater national interest and to keep the economy running, resolve the issue immediately. The new government may review the NCT lease decision, but keeping the port shut is unacceptable.”
Appealing to port unions, they said: “You are the lifeblood of this port. You have the right to place demands before the government, but halting ship movements means putting your own house at risk.
“We urge you to step back from this exceptional stance. If the new government assures review of your demands, reopening the port will be the greatest act of patriotism.”
They added: “We believe the government and the protesting parties will sit at the table today and find a sustainable solution. Otherwise, no one will be able to overcome this catastrophe.”
Bangladesh Employers’ Federation President and BKMEA Executive President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan told a press conference: “Port closure means delays in sending export goods. The government must resolve this quickly. Failure has already sent a negative message, which must not be allowed.”
BTMA President Showkat Aziz Russell said: “Ships are not just waiting. Vessels in Singapore are not even leaving for Bangladesh. They will still charge fees while waiting.”
