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Published : 31 Jan 2026, 12:18 AM
The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has warned of disciplinary action against employees involved in protests against the government’s decision to lease out the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign company.
The warning came in an office order signed by Chittagong Port’s Director (Administration) Md Omar Faruk.
Although the order was issued on Thursday, the port authority disclosed the matter to the media on Friday.
BNP-aligned port workers and employees brought out a procession inside the port building on Thursday afternoon, protesting the ongoing process to lease the NCT to UAE-based global port operator DP World.
Earlier that day, the High Court dismissed a petition challenging the government’s move to engage a foreign company to operate the NCT.
The Port Nationalist Labour Party held a press conference, announced a work stoppage programme, and carried out protest activities inside the port building.
CPA said, “On Jan 29 at around 11:30am during office hours, centring on the High Court’s verdict on the NCT project, some port employees joined a procession in the port building area, made adverse comments against the court’s verdict, and created disorderly and chaotic situations by conducting group demonstrations.
“This is contrary to official discipline and constitutes a punishable offence under the Port Employees’ Regulations.”
Authorities directed all Chittagong Port officials and employees, as well as all parties involved, to refrain from such activities.
Otherwise, disciplinary action would be taken against them in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, it said.
The NCT was constructed in 2007, with the port authority investing Tk 27.12 billion in construction and the installation of equipment.
Since Jul 7 last year, the terminal has been operated by Chittagong Dry Dock Limited.
The facility has the capacity to handle containers from four ocean-going container vessels simultaneously.
