Chittagong Port Authority writes to ACC to probe assets of 15 protesting staff members

The Chittagong Port Authority has written to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to conduct an investigation into the movable and immovable assets of 15 workers involved in protests against the leasing of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to foreign handlers.

At the same time, the port authority has sent a letter to the relevant departments seeking to prevent the 15 individuals from leaving the country, citing their alleged involvement in anti-state activities.

The request was made in a letter signed by Chittagong Port Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim on Thursday, bdnews24.com reports.

Those named for the action are Port Protection Struggle Council coordinator Md Humayun Kabir, and fellow coordinators Md Ibrahim Khokon, Md Faridur Rahman, Md Shafiuddin, Rashidul Islam, Abdullah Al Mamun, Zahirul Islam, Khandaker Masuduzzaman, Humayun Kabir, Shakil Raihan, Manik Miji, Shamsu Mia, Liaquat Ali, Aminur Rasul Bulbul and Md Rabbani.

Port workers and staffers launched a work stoppage last Saturday in protest against the government’s decision to hand over the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to the foreign firm DP World. From Tuesday, they went on an indefinite strike.

In an attempt to quell the movement, the port authorities transferred a total of 16 employees to different locations in three phases.

Later, 15 more were transferred to the Mongla and Payra ports. A fresh letter has now been issued seeking action against these 15 employees.

Due to the movement, operations at Chittagong Port were virtually paralysed. Amid the disruption, the shipping advisor visited the port and held talks with the protesters. Following that meeting, the protesters suspended their work stoppage for two days starting on Thursday evening.

The letter, signed by the port secretary, said, “The concerned employees are involved in anti-state activities. Investigations against these misguided employees are currently under way. We request that the relevant offices and agencies be informed so that restrictions can be imposed to prevent them from leaving the country.”

The letter also asked the ACC to take action after investigating all movable and immovable assets of the employees named.

Regarding the issue, movement council coordinator Humayun Kabir said, “We have come to know about the matter, and our next course of action will be decided accordingly.”