Ctg port protection committee holds hunger strike against leasing key terminals

The port protection committee today held a five-hour symbolic hunger strike in Chattogram, demanding an immediate halt to government moves to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), Chattogram Container Terminal (CCT), and other key port facilities to foreign firms.

The programme was held in front of Chattogram Press Club from 11am to 4pm, drawing leaders and activists from political parties, trade unions, and professional bodies.

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Delwar Majumder, convenor of the committee, said the port belongs to the people and the government must safeguard the public interest.

"Multinational corporations and capitalist forces have long eyed our national assets," he said.

"If these terminals are handed over to foreign firms, they will siphon off the profits, leaving next to nothing for our citizens."

Kazi Sheikh Nurullah Bahar, general secretary of the Chattogram divisional unit of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, accused the authorities of orchestrating the lease behind closed doors.

Tapan Datta, president of the Trade Union Centre (TUC) Chattogram unit, said the country stood united against leasing national assets.

The strike, moderated by Member Secretary Fazlul Kabir Mintu, was also addressed by CPB Chattogram President Ashoke Saha, TUC Joint Secretary Iftekhar Kamal Khan, Jatiyatabadi Dock Sramik Dal General Secretary Taslim Hossain Selim, and NAP leader Mitul Dasgupta, among others.

The committee had earlier held human chains, rallies, black-flag processions, and roundtable discussions, and submitted a memorandum to the prime minister.