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Published : 08 Nov 2025, 09:26 PM
The Left Democratic Alliance has warned that it will surround the State Guest House Jamuna, the official residence of the chief advisor, if the “plot to hand over the profitable Chittagong Port to foreigners” is not stopped.
A two-week nationwide protest, mass mobilisation, and march programme was announced from a meeting in Chattogram on Saturday.
Bazlur Rashid Firoz, coordinator of the Left Democratic Alliance, announced the programme at the meeting held at the city’s old railway station.
On May 25, Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the government was in talks with three foreign companies over the container management of the Chittagong Port.
The move drew criticism from leftist parties, the BNP, labour groups, and economic analysts, who warned that foreign control could pose security risks.
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus urged citizens on Jun 6 to “continue strong support for the interim government’s port management initiative” and to “resist those who oppose it”.
Amid the controversy, Shipping Secretary Mohammad Yusuf announced on Oct 12 that deals with foreign operators for the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), Laldia Char Terminal, and Pangaon Inland Container Terminal in Dhaka’s Keraniganj would be finalised by December.
The Laldia Char Terminal would be leased for 30 years, and the other two for 25 years.
Amid growing opposition, the Left Democratic Alliance and Anti-Fascist Left Front held a rally under the slogan “The profitable Chittagong Port will not be leased to foreigners despite public opinion.”
Firoz warned, “We will hold nationwide protests from Nov 9 to 23 to stop this conspiracy. If our demands are ignored, we will surround the Jamuna and go on strike if needed.
“The interim government has no jurisdiction to hand over a profitable port to foreigners.
“It is rushing to serve imperialist interests and delay the elections. The people will not allow such conspiracies.”
Former Communist Party Bangladesh (CPB) leader Shah Alam said, “Despite public opposition, the interim government is acting in the interests of imperialism.
“The workers and people face economic hardship, yet the government is busy plotting with foreign powers.”
Chittagong District Coordinator of the Left Democratic Alliance Shafi Uddin Kabir Abid said, “Since 92 percent of Bangladesh’s trade depends on Chittagong Port, any decision about it must consider national security, not just profit.”
The rally, led by CPB’s Nurussafa Bhuiyan, was joined by several left and labour leaders. Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP) members also joined with a large procession. The event ended with a torchlight march from the old station to New Market.
