Workers go on hunger strike to oust Saif Powertec from Ctg port

A section of workers at Chittagong Port went on a hunger strike yesterday to press home their demand for removing Saif Powertec from container handling activities.

The workers also demanded blacklisting of the firm for its alleged corruption.

Saif Powertec has grabbed a major portion of the container handling activities by influencing some port officials, Awami League's Chittagong city unit President ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury told a rally during the strike in front of the port's administrative building.

"The company is now plotting to damage the port," he said.

The workers organised under the banner of Chattagram Bandar Raksha Parishad that comprises eight worker and staff unions.

Chowdhury, also the convener of the Parishad and a former mayor of Chittagong City Corporation, launched the movement against Saif Powertec through a rally on August 27.

He gave an ultimatum to the Chittagong Port Authority to cancel the “illegal appointment” of Saif Powertec as the operator of different terminals of the port within September 15.

Parishad leaders also announced another rally at the city's Laldighi Maidan on September 10.

 Saif Powertec has been offering container handling services at Chittagong Container Terminal and at two berths of New Mooring Container Terminal for the last eight years.

Saif Powertec Managing Director Tarafdar Ruhul Amin could not be reached for his comments despite repeated attempts through cell phone.