Fresh protest programme calls for end to ‘conspiracy’ over NCT-CCT port operation deal

The group calling itself the “Port Protection Committee Chattogram” has announced a protest programme, describing the initiative to hand over the responsibility for operating the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT) at Chittagong Port to domestic and foreign companies as a “conspiracy”.

The committee, comprising labour leaders, politicians, engineers and citizens from different classes and professions, held a press conference at the Chattogram Press Club on Sunday and announced the programme.

The organisation will hold a human chain demonstration and rally programme at the Press Club premises at 11 am on Wednesday, reports bdnews24.com.

At the press conference, the committee's convenor, Engineer Delwar Majumdar, said: "In the past, we have seen many tricks with the port and the SSA (Stevedoring Services of America). Many domestic and foreign circles are involved in these games. The government changes, but these circles do not change"

"After the current democratic government came to power, those circles have started moving again. There is no opportunity for new investment in the port's terminals. There is also no crisis in management. Container handling is exceeding capacity at the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT).”

He said, “However, the processing of these agreements is being quietly advanced. The full details of the earlier agreements regarding Patenga Container Terminal, Pangaon Terminal, or Laldiar Char have not been published to date.

“Meanwhile, last year, the container handling charge was increased by 37 per cent. This has increased the cost of imports and exports, negatively affecting the country's industries, businesses, agriculture and general consumers. Such an abnormal price increase is intended to ensure excess profits by increasing the profit margin of potential domestic and foreign lessees, so that the lessees can say that the charge is already high.”

In a previous written statement, Engineer Delwar had said: “If a foreign company leases the terminal, a large part of their income will go abroad as foreign currency in the name of dividends and profits. As a result, the state will be at risk of losing a huge amount of revenue and foreign currency in the long run.”

“The question of ownership, control and management of Chittagong Port is not just a commercial matter; it is closely related to the national economy, state security, sovereignty and the interests of the people.

“With deep concern, we have observed that the government is gradually stepping up its activities to lease the NCT and CCT of Chittagong Port to domestic and foreign companies, especially the Dubai-based global port operator DP World.”

In response to a question, Delwar said: "Many important facilities, including the main base of the Bangladesh Navy, important installations of the Air Force, oil refineries, fuel storage and distribution centres, are located around Chittagong Port. It is time for us to think. We have to protect the people's assets.

"Bangladesh has emerged as an important player in current world politics. Chittagong Port can play a special role in that fight between superpowers. Therefore, the matter of the port is not just an economic question; it is also a question of national security."

At the press conference, Jatiotabadi Sramik Dal Chattogram Divisional Committee General Secretary Kazi Sheikh Nurullah Bahar said, "The issue of national security is most tied into the case of NCT. Next to it are important installations, such as those of the Navy, Air Force and the oil refinery. What domestic technology will the foreign companies that are in talks to lease the NCT use here?

"During the interim government, the agreement was suspended in the face of a movement, but almost all the officials who were involved in the agreement negotiations are still there. Now they are eager to throw the government into trouble."

Saying that there have been continuous discussions in Dhaka for the past week to lease the NCT to DP World, Nurullah Bahar said, "We are trying to meet with the prime minister. The honourable prime minister is humane. In the interest of the country, the NCT cannot be given to anyone.

"We are seeking the intervention of the prime minister in this regard. If we can meet him and present the entire issue, I hope he will give orders in the interest of the country and the people."

At the press conference, the protesters raised a five-point list of demands, including the immediate halt of all leasing initiatives to any domestic or foreign institution.

Other demands are that all terminals of Chittagong Port should be operated under the control and management of the Port Authority, all port-related agreements, including Patenga, Pangaon and Laldia, should be disclosed to the public, that no secret agreements and contracts should be made against national interests, and that the government should make a clear announcement on protecting Chittagong Port for national ownership, control and national security.