Chattogram port workers will start new protests on September 22, 2026, in response to the lack of agreement with the government regarding the leasing of the Neumoring Container Terminal (NCT). These workers, who operate under the union "Chattogram Port Protection Council," oppose the leasing of this terminal to the UAE-based port operator, DP World.
Concerns of Port Workers
NCT is the largest container terminal in Chattogram port, managing nearly half of the port's container volume. Currently, this terminal is managed by the state-owned Chittagong Dry Dock Limited (CDDL), which is an entity affiliated with the Bangladesh Navy. DP World has been identified as one of the main candidates to operate NCT in the port's privatization plan.
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Port workers are concerned that the government has not conducted adequate public consultation regarding this agreement. In February, the Chattogram Port Workers Union disrupted port activities for nearly two weeks by holding a strike. At that time, the union claimed that their negotiations with the government regarding key leasing requests remained unresolved. This strike was lifted in mid-February when the current Prime Minister, Tariq Rahman, took office instead of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
Call for Protests and National Negotiations
At a press conference over the weekend, the Chattogram Port Protection Council announced that it would begin its peaceful protests on September 22. This union includes several labor organizations at the port that are demanding greater transparency in privatization plans. Additionally, union leaders are calling for the withdrawal of legal cases against fifteen port employees and union leaders for participating in the February strike.
Furthermore, the union has requested that the government (through the Ministers of Finance and Transport) hold a national dialogue regarding the NCT agreement. In line with these consultations, union leaders have asked business groups across all sectors to prepare for a day of strike on October 5 in front of the Chattogram Port headquarters.
As Bangladesh strives to modernize its port sector, private operators are increasingly receiving concessions for large terminals in the country. In July, the Saudi port operator RSGT began its operations at the Patenga Container Terminal in Chattogram. Last month, APM Terminals started construction of a new container terminal in Laldia, Chattogram. Container trade at this port is increasing year by year, reaching a volume of 3.56 million TEUs in 2025.
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