Protesters have ‘hijacked’ Ctg Port, alleges CPA Chairman

Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman on Sunday alleged that a section of employees, under the banner of a protest, has disrupted port operations and effectively “hijacked” the country’s principal seaport, holding the public interest hostage.

Speaking at a press conference held at the CPA headquarters around 12:30pm, the chairman said the ongoing agitation is an attempt to derail a process that has not yet reached completion.

“There is a clear attempt to hijack the entire process. By disrupting port operations, the protesters have chosen to hold the public hostage,” he said while responding to questions from journalists.

Addressing concerns over the proposed leasing of port operations to a foreign company, Moniruzzaman clarified that no contract has yet been signed. He described the protest as premature and aimed at sabotaging the process before its conclusion.

“The contract has not been finalised. Efforts are being made in advance to frustrate the process. However, in the interest of the country, the agreement will be implemented only after the legal and procedural steps are completed,” he said.

The CPA chairman stressed that any agreement would strictly comply with court directives and international standards, ensuring national interests are safeguarded. “Only after the entire process is completed can we say when it will be finalised,” he added.

Claiming that port operations remain functional, Moniruzzaman warned that any attempt to obstruct operations would be dealt with through legal means.

Earlier in the day, port workers launched an indefinite strike from 8:00am, pressing four demands, including the cancellation of the move to lease port operations to a foreign firm. The strike has once again disrupted operations at port jetties and the outer anchorage, causing concern among exporters, importers, and shipping agents.