Talks between the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) and the Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP) ended without any agreement on Monday, prompting SKOP to go ahead with its previously announced blockade of roads leading to Chittagong Port on Wednesday.
SKOP has called for a three-hour blockade—from 10:00am to 1:00pm on Wednesday (November 26)—to protest the government’s decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign entity.
SKOP leaders said the blockade will be enforced at three key points around the port: Mile Head (Seamen’s Hostel), Toll Road Toll Plaza and Big Pool area.
They urged workers, labour organisations, political groups, and the general public to join the demonstration.
An important meeting was held at the invitation of CPA on Monday between senior CPA officials and SKOP leaders. The CPA delegation included the acting chairman, member (Engineering), member (Harbour and Marine), and secretary Omar Faruk. The SKOP side was represented by leaders Tapan Dutta, Kazi Sheikh Nurullah Bahar, SK Khoda Toton and others.
CPA officials explained the background of the government’s plan to lease out the NCT terminal to DP World, stating that the port chairman is currently on leave and therefore no agreement can be finalised in November.
They also noted that once the national election schedule is announced in early December, the interim government will no longer be able to sign such a major agreement.
SKOP leaders rejected the earlier remark by BIDA CEO Ashik Chowdhury—who claimed that the NCT agreement would be signed within seven days of the Laldia Char and Pangaon leasing—calling it unacceptable. They said an interim government has no moral or legal mandate to enter into such strategic deals.
SKOP leaders added that they have been protesting for over six months and have gained support from workers, political parties and the public. “Therefore, SKOP cannot withdraw from the movement unilaterally,” they said.
Meanwhile, the Port Protection Council postponed its blockade programme, which was also scheduled for Monday, in protest against handing over CCT and NCT to foreign operators.
The council’s convener, Hasan Maruf Rumi, said discussions were held with CPA officials, who assured them that no decision would be taken that harms workers’ interests. Based on this assurance, the council has suspended its agitation for two days.
