Workers threaten shutdown if foreign firms to control Ctg Port

CHATTOGRAM, May 9 (UNB): Port workers have warned of enforcing shutdowns and blockades if, the government proceeds with any move to hand over operations of the Chattogram Port to foreign companies.

Speaking at a protest rally in the port area on Friday afternoon, labour leaders alleged that a conspiracy to privatise the port began during the previous Awami League government, when operations of various terminals were handed over to private operators.

They claimed the current interim government is following that same path by attempting to transfer the management of the NCT and CCT to foreign companies.

They said if the decision is not scrapped immediately, they would bring port activities to a standstill through hartals, blockades and work stoppages.

The protest rally was organised by the Chattogram Port Combined Workers-Employees Federation.

BNP's Central Labour Affairs Secretary A M Nazim Uddin attended the rally as the chief guest, while labour Party President Anwar Hossain and Kazi Sheikh Nurullah Bahar, General Secretary of Chattogram divisional unit of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, also addressed the gathering.