Chittagong Port operations paralysed as workers observe second day of work stoppage

All container and cargo handling at different jetties remains suspended as vehicles are barred from entering the port

Dock workers and terminal staff have continued their work stoppage for a second consecutive day to protest the handover of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to the UAE-based firm DP World.

This collective work abstention has resulted in a total paralysis of the Chittagong Port, with the loading and unloading of containers and bulk cargo suspended since the morning.

The strike, which began at 8am on Sunday, has prevented covered vans, lorries, and trailers from entering the port to load or deliver goods.

The Jatiotabadi Sramik Dal (JSD), which called the eight-hour strike for Saturday and Sunday, said the action was organised to oppose the transfer of terminal operations to a foreign firm.

Saturday’s strike had already caused operational disruption at the port.

Although the programme was initially announced under the banner of the JSD on the first day, organisers later said the movement would continue under the name “Port Protection Struggle Council”.

Council coordinator and labour leader Humayun Kabir told bdnews24.com, “We have visited different jetties since morning. Workers are not carrying out any work anywhere.”

“No goods or containers are being loaded or unloaded, and no vehicles are entering the port. Workers and employees have been participating voluntarily since morning. The protest will continue until 4pm. We will announce the next programme afterwards.”

Chittagong Port Berth Operator Fazle Ekram Chowdhury said labour could not be booked for jetty operations on Sunday either.

“Cargo handling activities are not taking place as well,” he added.

Following the first day of the work stoppage, the Chittagong Port Authority transferred four officials involved in the protest with immediate effect.

It also formed a six-strong committee to assess revenue losses caused by the disruption.

Separately, citing the protest situation, Chattogram Metropolitan Police issued a public notice banning all rallies, gatherings and processions in and around the port area for one month from midnight on Saturday.

Although protesters held rallies in the port area on Saturday, no such programmes were reported on Sunday during the work stoppage.

Kabir said the protesters were complying with the restrictions.

“We respect the law. That is why we are not holding rallies or processions. Workers and employees are refraining from all forms of work at the port. We will announce our next programme in the afternoon,” he added.