Sramik Dal announces week-long protest over NCT lease

The Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal's Chattogram Port unit has announced a week-long protest programme opposing the government's move to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign operator.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Humayun Kabir, general secretary of the unit, said the organisation will hold a series of demonstrations in the port area from May 19, adding that "programmes were finalised following discussions with senior BNP leaders".

As per the announced schedule, the organisation will bring out a torch procession on May 19, followed by a protest procession and rally outside the Bondor Boys Govt Primary School on the morning of May 24.

Sit-ins will be staged at all entry gates of the port on May 25 and May 26, Humayun added.

The government is in talks with UAE-based global port operator DP World to lease the NCT --Chattogram Port's largest container terminal.

Several political parties and organisations, including Jamaat-e-Islami and left-leaning groups, have already opposed the move.