An indefinite strike began at Chattogram Port from Sunday morning, demanding the suspension of the process to lease out the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign company.
Due to the strike, operations at the port’s jetties and outer anchorage have once again been disrupted.
Protesting workers alleged that members of law enforcement agencies had detained two port workers, reports Daily Sun.
The detainees are identified as Shamsu Mia Tuku and Abul Kalam from the port’s engineering department. They were reportedly picked up from Port Colony No. 12.
According to port sources, 12 vessels are currently berthed at the main jetty, while around 80 cargo vessels are waiting at the outer anchorage.
After visiting the port area on Sunday morning, there has been a heavy presence of law enforcement personnel since early hours in connection with the strike.
Around 10:00am, individuals were seen being taken away in police vehicles from the port roundabout area.
However, no official comment was immediately available from the police regarding the incident.
The usual movement of cargo-laden trucks and lorries at the port gates was noticeably low compared to normal days.
Fazle Akram Chowdhury, president of the Berth Operators, Ship Handling Operators and Terminal Operators Association said that loading and unloading activities at the general cargo berths had remained suspended since morning.
Workers had not joined their duties, he said.
Meanwhile, the Chattogram Port chairman, along with officials of various levels, labour representatives and members of the law enforcement agencies, are holding a meeting at the Shaheed Fazlul Haque Auditorium. A media briefing is expected after the meeting.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
