The agreement between DP World and Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) for the operation of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at the port will not be finalized during the current government’s term. DP World has requested additional time to complete the internal review of the contract, according to Ashik Chowdhury, CEO of the Public-Private Partnership Authority (PPPA).
Chowdhury mentioned that with only two working days left, it is unlikely that the cabinet approval process and formal signing can be completed within the current term. The project commenced in 2019, with the final phase of deliberations taking place over the past month and still ongoing.
Despite rumors of a fixed signing date on February 1, Chowdhury dismissed such claims, emphasizing the importance of not rushing the deal at the expense of national interests. As a result, the port workers and employees have decided to temporarily halt their indefinite strike until February 15.
The decision to suspend the strike was influenced by factors such as the upcoming national election and the need to handle Ramadan cargo. This decision was made despite punitive measures taken by CPA against 16 employee leaders, including canceling housing allotments and other actions.
The strike, initiated by the Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad to push for various demands, disrupted operational activities at the Chattogram port. Efforts by the port authority, with the assistance of law enforcement, to resume operations faced challenges, resulting in significant disruptions in cargo handling and delivery.
The situation led to the suspension of cargo deliveries from mother vessels at the port’s outer anchorage and hindered the transport of import and export containers between the port and private ICDs. Despite challenges faced by CPA pilots due to the protesters’ obstruction, the port chairman emphasized that port activities were still ongoing, warning against any attempts to disrupt operations.
The chairman condemned the strike as an attempt to sabotage the deal signing process prematurely and considered it a misguided move that impacts the port and the people negatively.
