Chattogram Bandar Rakkha Parishad has demanded that the government halt the ongoing process to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chittagong Port to foreign operator DP World.
At a press conference organised at the Chittagong Press Club on yesterday, the parishad gave the government two days to meet its four-point demands, warning of a series of protest programs otherwise.
The demands include scrapping the lease process, withdrawing cases filed against port leaders and 15 employees over previous protests, removing port officials involved in the proposed agreement with DP World, and filling vacant posts at the port.
Joint Coordinator Humayun Kabir alleged that successive governments had attempted to hand over NCT to DP World since 2017, despite concerns over national interests. He said the interim government also continued the process after August 5, 2024, but later stepped back following protests by the parishad, labour organisations and professionals.
The parishad also rejected claims by the port chairman that NCT’s equipment was outdated and operating at only 70% capacity. It said port documents, equipment procurement records and assessments by maritime logistics experts did not support the claim.
It also warned that leasing NCT to DP World could create economic and security risks, including job losses and increased pressure on foreign exchange. It claimed NCT generated about Tk4,500 crore in revenue in the 2025-26 fiscal year, including Tk2,500 crore in net income.
The parishad announced a human chain on September 22 and a protest procession on September 27 if its demands are not met.