Chattogram Port Authority Seeks Probe, Travel Ban on 15 Port Workers

The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has recommended strict action against 15 port employees who were transferred to Mongla and Payra ports following their involvement in a protest movement. The authority has asked relevant agencies to investigate their movable and immovable assets and to impose a ban on their foreign travel.

A formal letter has been sent to the Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, while the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the National Security Intelligence (NSI) have also been notified to look into the matter.

According to the letter, signed by Port Secretary Syed Refaet Hamim on Thursday (February 5), the employees were transferred on February 2 on allegations of creating disorder at Chattogram Port under the guise of a movement and engaging in activities described as anti-state. As part of the ongoing inquiry, the CPA requested necessary measures to prevent the individuals from leaving the country and asked the ACC to examine their assets.

Those named in the application include leaders and activists of port workers’ organisations, including Md Humayun Kabir, coordinator of the Chattogram Port Protection Movement Council and the Nationalist Port Workers’ Party; Md Ibrahim Khokon, Md Faridur Rahman, Mohammad Shafi Uddin, Rashidul Islam, Abdullah Al Mamun, Md Zahirul Islam, Khandaker Masuduzzaman, Md Shakil Raihan, Manik Mizhi, Md Shamsu Mia, Md Liaqat Ali, Aminur Rasul Bulbul, and Md Rabbani.

Repeated attempts to contact Port Secretary Syed Refaet Hamim for comment were unsuccessful. However, a senior CPA official confirmed the authenticity of the letter to the media on condition of anonymity.

Port workers under the banner of the Chattogram Port Protection Council observed a six-day strike from Saturday to Thursday, protesting the decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to DP World. The strike was limited to eight hours a day for the first three days, but turned into a continuous shutdown from Tuesday.

The port authority has so far transferred 31 employees in three phases over their alleged involvement in the movement.

Following a meeting with Shipping Adviser M Sakhawat Hossain, the strike scheduled for Friday and Saturday was suspended. The announcement was made by Sangram Parishad Coordinator Md Humayun Kabir after a meeting at the port building on Thursday afternoon.

However, protest leaders have warned that the strike will resume from next Sunday if the assurances given by the shipping adviser are not implemented.