Pro-BNP workers’ body urges PM for dialogue before any decision

Leaders of Pro-BNP workers’ organisations of Chattogram Port today urged Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to have a dialogue with representatives of the protesting workers and employees of the port before taking any decision regarding a concession deal with DP World to run the port’s most profitable New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT).

They were addressing a protest rally during a human chain organised by Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad near the port this afternoon.

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Addressing the rally, Parishad Joint Coordinator Humayun Kabir urged the prime minister to sit with a team representing Chattogram Bandar Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, led by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam and the state minister for shipping.

Kabir, also a leader of the Bandar unit of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, urged the prime minister to listen to their objections regarding leasing out NCT to a foreign operator before taking any decision.

Joint Coordinator Ibrahim Khokan, also general secretary of the port unit of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, criticised the chairman of Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) for advocating in favour of the NCT deal with DP World by providing false information regarding NCT.

He urged the government to stop all activities regarding the concession agreement with UAE port operator DP World to run NCT.

Otherwise, he warned that the authorities would be held responsible for any consequences arising from the situation.

Earlier, on September 19, the Parishad gave the government a two-day ultimatum to meet four demands, including halting all activities related to the NCT deal with DP World.

Their other demands include withdrawal of cases filed against 15 port employees and leaders over previous anti-NCT deal protests in February this year, removal of Chattogram port officials allegedly involved in the NCT deal process since the previous fascist government, and immediate recruitment to fill vacant posts to strengthen the port’s operations.

Chattogram Port Merchant Sramik Dal leader Harun Ur Rashid and former joint secretary of Bandar Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal CBA Mojaher Hossain Showkat also spoke, among others.