SCOPE has initiated a blockade in opposition to the port lease

SCOPE has initiated a blockade at Chattogram port to protest the leasing of NCT to DP World and to demand the cancellation of the Laldia and Pangaon lease agreements.

The demonstration commenced at Borapol intersection at 10 am on Wednesday (November 26).

During the event, participants chanted slogans such as 'We will not surrender our motherland, the mouth of the river, to foreigners' and 'We will unite in struggle, workers of the world'.

Leaders from the Sramik Karmachar Oikya Parishad (SCOPE) announced that the protest would persist until 1 pm.

Speakers emphasized that the port is vital to our existence. NCT is a self-sustaining and profitable entity. We will not allow the port to be handed over to foreign interests for survival. SCOPE is steadfast in its protests. If necessary, a strike will be organized. This government has no authority to lease port facilities to foreign corporations. Their responsibility is to conduct elections. Elections must be held promptly.

Labor leader Khorshed Alam stated, "The NCT of the port is a lucrative institution. No government should lease out profitable assets. I vehemently oppose the move to lease NCT. We must resist and fight back. I will not allow the country to be sold. I am prepared to sacrifice my life if needed."