Workers oppose privatisation of Ctg Port, demand reforms

The Chattogram Port United Workers and Employees' Federation has called for an immediate halt to the ongoing privatisation process of the port, urging authorities to address workers' grievances through recruitment reforms.

At a press conference held at the Chattogram Press Club on Saturday, the federation outlined their demands, including the recruitment of workers for 4,500 vacant positions, an end to outsourcing practices, and the implementation of a three-shift system for workers at the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and Chattogram Container Terminal (CCT).

The federation criticised a recent statement by the port chairman, who indicated that the privatisation process could be completed within a year.

Speaking at the event, President of the Chattogram Port United Workers and Employees' Federation Mohammad Harun accused former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her ally Salman F Rahman of promoting an agenda to privatise the port.

He alleged that this involved handing over operations of the NCT and CCT to a Dubai-based private company. Harun described the plan as "anti-national and suicidal", insisting that it be scrapped to safeguard the port's future and protect the national interest.

"We will not allow the privatisation process to proceed under any circumstances. This decision must be reversed immediately to safeguard the future of Chattogram Port and our country's economy," he said.

Kazi Sheikh Nurullah Bahar, general secretary of the federation, underscored the port's significant financial contributions to the national economy, questioning the necessity of privatisation.

"Chattogram Port has consistently demonstrated strong financial performance. In the fiscal year 2022-2023, the port earned Tk4,438 crore, which increased to Tk4,473 crore in the following fiscal year. In the first four months of the current fiscal year alone, revenue stood at Tk1,643 crore, marking a 21.85% growth compared to the same period last year," he said.

Call for operational reforms

In addition to opposing privatisation, the federation demanded reforms to improve staffing and operations at the port. They called for the implementation of a three-shift work schedule at the NCT and CCT to address labour shortages and enhance efficiency.

Bahar said another issue raised was the contract awarded to a Saudi Arabian company to operate the Patenga Container Terminal. This move, he added, is another step toward privatisation and could jeopardise the port's interests, eroding national control.

As part of their protest, the federation will formally present their memorandum to the port chairman on 22 December, urging the government to reconsider its privatisation plans and prioritise the workers' concerns.

The federation's leaders stressed that safeguarding Chattogram Port's sovereignty and operational integrity is crucial for the nation's economic well-being.