Chattogram Port Protection Committee Holds Citizens’ Convention Over NCT, CCT Leasing

A citizens’ convention in Chattogram has called on the government to consider Bangladesh’s strategic and national interests before leasing two major container terminals at Chattogram Port—the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and Chattogram Container Terminal (CCT).

The convention was organised by the Chattogram Port Protection Committee at the Chattogram Press Club auditorium on Sunday.

Professor M Abu Sayeed, convener of the Port and National Resources Protection Committee, said Chattogram Port is not merely a regional asset but a strategically important national resource directly linked to Bangladesh’s economy and national interests.

He said the economic, strategic and national implications must be carefully assessed before any port terminal is leased to a domestic or foreign company for an extended period.

Poet and journalist Abul Momen described Chattogram Port as one of the main drivers of Bangladesh’s economy. He warned that handing over strategically important terminals to foreign or private companies under what he described as favourable conditions, instead of improving the port’s capacity and revenue, could raise questions about the national interest.

He also called on the public to remain aware and vocal about the issue.

The convention was organised to build a stronger movement against leasing NCT and CCT to domestic or foreign companies.

Committee Convener Engineer Delwar Majumder said people would not accept any decision to lease the two important terminals to foreign companies.

He said the committee would intensify its peaceful and democratic movement with public participation.

Among others, speeches were delivered by freedom fighter Mahfuzur Rahman, Trade Union Centre Chattogram President Tapan Dutta, Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal Chattogram divisional President AM Nazim Uddin, Communist Party of Bangladesh Chattogram District President Ashok Saha, Bangladesh College-University Teachers Association General Secretary Professor Mohammad Jahangir, and women’s rights activist Jesmin Sultana Paru.

The convention decided to conduct public outreach and consultations with people from different professions and social groups from August 17 to 30.

The committee also announced a protest procession on August 31, which will begin at the Barik Building intersection in Chattogram.

The developments come amid a broader debate over how Bangladesh should manage strategic port infrastructure, including the balance between private-sector participation, operational efficiency and national control.