Chattogram Port Halted by 24-Hour Strike and Blockade

Operations at Chattogram Port, the country’s primary maritime gateway, came to a complete standstill Tuesday following a 24-hour strike called by the Port Protection Sangram Parishad and a simultaneous blockade by the Workers-Employees Unity Council (SCOP).

The strike began at 8:00 AM on February 3, 2026, effectively freezing container handling, cargo movement, and the delivery of import goods. In tandem with the port strike, SCOP activists blocked various toll plazas across the city, disrupting regional transport.

Core Demands The protesting groups are demanding the government scrap plans to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to foreign operators—specifically DP World—without an open tender. They also called for the immediate withdrawal of recent transfer orders affecting port workers.

"The port cannot be handed over to foreigners. This is a life-and-death issue for the workers," said SCOP leader Tapan Dutta. Other leaders, including Comrade Shah Alam, alleged that bypassing open tenders for the NCT lease undermines national sovereignty and creates security risks.

Growing Concern While the port saw eight-hour daily strikes earlier this week, the shift to a full 24-hour shutdown has sparked deep concern among port users and businesses. Humayun Kabir, coordinator of the Sangram Parishad, stated that further programs would be announced following a press briefing later this afternoon.