Businesses urge quick end to Ctg Port crisisCtg Port strike paused for 2 days

Protesting workers and employees at Chittagong Port have suspended the ongoing work stoppage for two days after a meeting with Shipping Advisor M Sakhawat Hussain.

The decision was announced on Thursday afternoon following a meeting at the port building, said Md Humayun Kabir, one of the coordinators of the Port Protection Struggle Council, the group leading the protests.

He said, “Considering the month of Ramadan and everything else, we are suspending our plans tomorrow, Friday, and the following day, Saturday.

“During this time, the advisor has assured us that he will inform us of decisions on all our issues. If no decision comes by Saturday, then we will resume demonstrations from Sunday," he added.

Port workers and employees launched the strike on Saturday in protest against the decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to UAE-based company DP World.

Although workers observed an eight-hour strike for three days from Saturday, a non-stop work stoppage has been in place since Tuesday. The strike paralysed operations at Chittagong Port.

Advisor Sakhawat visited the port on Thursday morning and faced protests outside Gate No. 4 before holding a meeting with council representatives.

Businesses urge quick end to Ctg Port crisis

Business leaders have urged the government to act swiftly to resolve the deadlock at Chittagong Port, warning that the ongoing shutdown could trigger an economic “catastrophe” before the national election.

In a joint statement on Thursday, 10 trade organisations said the stalemate over leasing the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to foreign operator DP World has paralysed the country’s main seaport.

They cautioned that unless the crisis is resolved immediately, recovery will be impossible.

The statement noted that import‑export activities have halted, raising fears of price hikes during Ramadan.

The signatories included Bangladesh Employers’ Federation, Bangladesh Chamber Of Industries, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce And Industry, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association, Bangladesh Textile-Apparel and Allied Trade Bodies, Bangladesh Garments Accessories & Packaging Manufacturers & Exporters Association and Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association.

Earlier in the day, leaders of the 10 trade bodies held an emergency meeting at the BTMA office in Dhaka’s Gulshan.

The statement said: “For the first time in Chittagong Port’s history, ship movements have been completely stopped. This rare crisis has paralysed the country’s principal seaport, the heart of the national economy.

“A single day’s closure means direct losses of several thousand crore taka. With import‑export activities stalled, especially in the garment sector, the country faces irreparable damage.”

The leaders urged: “In the greater national interest and to keep the economy running, resolve the issue immediately. The new government may review the NCT lease decision, but keeping the port shut is unacceptable.”

Appealing to port unions, they said: “You are the lifeblood of this port. You have the right to place demands before the government, but halting ship movements means putting your own house at risk.

“We urge you to step back from this exceptional stance. If the new government assures review of your demands, reopening the port will be the greatest act of patriotism.”

They added: “We believe the government and the protesting parties will sit at the table today and find a sustainable solution. Otherwise, no one will be able to overcome this catastrophe.”

Bangladesh Employers’ Federation President and BKMEA Executive President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan told a press conference: “Port closure means delays in sending export goods. The government must resolve this quickly. Failure has already sent a negative message, which must not be allowed.”

BTMA President Showkat Aziz Russell said: “Ships are not just waiting. Vessels in Singapore are not even leaving for Bangladesh. They will still charge fees while waiting.”