Chattogram Port Workers Strike Suspended Until Feb 15

Workers at the nation’s primary seaport suspended their indefinite strike early Monday after the interim government signaled it would not finalize a controversial terminal deal with a foreign operator before the upcoming national election.

The Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad, the council leading the nine-day protest, announced the suspension will last until February 15. The decision was made to ensure the steady flow of goods ahead of Ramadan and to avoid disrupting the February 12 general election.

The dispute stems from a proposed agreement to hand operations of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to the UAE-based firm DP World. While Shipping Adviser Brig. Gen. (retd) M. Sakhawat Hussain and BIDA Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun assured workers the deal is on hold, tensions remain high.

"In the interest of the 13th national election and the release of essential goods, we have decided to pause the strike," the council said in a statement.

However, leaders warned that if the Port Authority does not withdraw punitive actions—including the arrest of five employees and the suspension of 16 others—protests will resume on February 16.