Torch Procession in Chattogram Demands Cancellation of Port Lease Agreements

A large labour gathering and torch procession were held in Chattogram to demand the cancellation of recently proposed lease agreements concerning key facilities of the Chattogram Port. The protest, organised on Friday evening in the Sagarika industrial zone, centred on two major grievances: the suspension of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) lease process and the cancellation of the Laldia Char–Pangaon lease agreement.

The event was coordinated by the Chattogram Labour Employees Unity Council (SCOPE), an alliance representing various labour organisations active in the region. The rally was presided over by Kazi Sheikh Nurullah Bahar, the Chattogram divisional general secretary of the Labour Party and former general secretary of the Port CBA. The assembly was conducted by Fazlul Kabir Mintu, a central committee organiser of the TUC (Trade Union Centre).

Tapan Dutta, the president of the TUC Chattogram district and a member of the Labour Reform Commission, delivered the keynote address. In his speech, he condemned what he described as unilateral and questionable decisions regarding national maritime infrastructure. He argued that the interim, unelected government lacked both the legal authority and moral legitimacy to make long-term decisions affecting the future of the country’s most critical port.

According to Dutta, handing over any port infrastructure to foreign entities could jeopardise national security, economic autonomy, and sovereign control of strategic maritime operations. He warned that any attempt to privatise or lease out port assets without public consultation would be treated as a hostile move against national interests.

Several prominent labour leaders also spoke at the gathering, including SK Khoda Toton, president of the Bangladesh Labour Federation; Mashiud Doula, general secretary of TUC Chattogram; Sh.M. Jamal Uddin, central organising secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal; Kazi Anwarul Haq Huni, president of BFTUC Chattogram division; Helal Uddin Kabir of the Socialist Labour Front; Abu Ahmed Mia, general secretary of BLF; Zahed Uddin Shahin, general secretary of the National Labour Federation; and leaders representing dock and port workers.

Many speakers reflected on the significance of December, the month of Bangladesh’s victory in the Liberation War, emphasising that decisions undermining national sovereignty would face fierce resistance. Dutta invoked this symbolism directly, stating that workers’ blood had already been shed in Dhaka while raising their voices against these lease agreements, and vowed that such sacrifices would not be forgotten.

The rally concluded with the announcement of a major mobilisation: on 10 December, workers will march from Dewanhat intersection towards the port, carrying red flags in a mass demonstration.

The growing discontent among port workers underscores wider concerns about transparency, accountability, and foreign influence in managing strategic economic assets. Labour groups warn that unless the government reconsiders its policy direction, further nationwide protests may follow.