Ctg Port remains operational despite strike, chairman says

He says a group of "misguided employees" are trying to "hijack" the port and hold the public to ransom amid an ongoing workers' strike

SM Moniruzzaman, chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority, has said operations at the country's main port remain normal despite an ongoing strike by workers and employees.

He made the remarks at a media briefing outside the port building on Sunday, about an hour after it had originally been scheduled.

However, reporters at the scene said there was little visible activity at key access points. No vehicles were seen at Jetty Gate No. 4 shortly before 1pm, or at the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) gate later in the afternoon.

The strike was called in protest against plans to hand over management of the NCT to a foreign operator.

Speaking to reporters, Moniruzzaman accused a group of "misguided employees" of attempting to "hijack" the port and hold the public to ransom.

“We are servants of the state, and our loyalty must be to the state. We must respect the law under which the port operates and the institution itself. If anyone chooses a different allegiance, that goes completely against the code of conduct for officials and employees,” he said.

The chairman also alleged that the action was aimed at creating public discontent ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

Responding to questions, he said he had spoken to port staff for two hours and that they would return to work without obstruction.

Asked about the status of negotiations to hand over management of the NCT to UAE-based DP World, Moniruzzaman said discussions had not yet concluded.