The Chattogram Port unit of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal has announced a week-long protest programme starting May 19, opposing the government’s plan to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign company.
In a statement, Humayun Kabir, general secretary of the unit, said the protest plan was finalized after discussions with senior leaders of the BNP. “We will hold a series of demonstrations in the port area,” he said.
According to the schedule, the protests will begin with a torch procession on May 19. This will be followed by a protest rally outside the Bondor Boys Government Primary School on the morning of May 24. Sit-ins are also planned at all port entry gates on May 25 and 26.
The government is currently negotiating with DP World, a UAE-based global port operator, to lease out NCT—the largest container terminal at Chattogram Port.
The move has drawn criticism from various political and labour organisations, including Jamaat-e-Islami and several left-leaning groups, who have publicly opposed the deal.