Trade union leaders object to leasing Ctg port terminals to foreigners
It could pose threats to the country’s security and sovereignty, they say
Trade union leaders have raised serious concerns over the ongoing process of leasing container terminals at Chattogram port to foreign entities.
It could pose threats to the country's security and sovereignty, they said at a meeting held today (27 December) at the Chattogram Circuit House auditorium, organised by the Labour Reform Commission.
Presided over by the commission's Chairman Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, the meeting was attended by Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal's Chattogram Divisional President AM Nazim Uddin, alongside the commission's members, among others.
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Leaders at the meeting expressed apprehension that leasing out Chattogram port's container terminals to foreign companies could jeopardise national security.
They also raised concerns over the widespread practice of outsourcing labour, which they said deprives workers of their basic rights.
At the meeting, the absence of trade union rights in export processing zones (EPZs) was also highlighted. Although Bangladesh has labour laws, separate laws for EPZ workers have created discrimination, which union leaders said should be abolished to bring all workers under the same legal framework.
The discussion also shed light on the plight of the country's tea garden workers. As tea workers are denied land ownership, this has prevented their children from accessing government jobs. A land ownership certificate is required for obtaining passports as well, they mentioned.
The government must address the inequity and ensure opportunities for tea workers' children in public service, they stressed.
The meeting also called for urgent measures to ensure occupational health and safety for ship-breaking workers.
Additionally, the leaders also underscored the need to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and capacity of the labour department and the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments.
Currently, workers across various sectors operate on a contractual basis, and lack access to basic provisions. All workers must be provided with appointment letters, identification cards, service books, and a paid leave facility, the leaders said.
