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2026-10-09 01:47 UTC → 2026-10-11 17:23 UTC ·
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The Chittagong On October 8, 2026, the Chattogram Port Protection Committee has formally opposed Authority officially signed a proposed 15-year concession agreement to operate and maintain the Newmuring Container Terminal (NCT) and its overflow container yard. The committee demanded the cancellation of the deal, arguing that such decisions regarding vital national infrastructure require transparent, public comparative evaluations to protect national security, state interests, and workers' rights. Following these protests, the Bangladesh Ministry of Shipping moved forward with a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with Dubai-based DP World to manage the NCT operate and modernize the Overflow New Mooring Container Yard (OCY). This transition follows a High Court ruling addressing previous legal complexities involving the terminal. Local labor unions and port protection organizations have continued to oppose the move, labeling the deal a ‘black contract’ due to concerns over economic security and worker livelihoods. In response to the potential for unrest, the Ministry of Shipping has directed Chittagong Terminal (NCT). The deal, signed by Port Authority officials to maintain uninterrupted operations Chairman Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman and warned that legal action will be taken against those attempting to disrupt port activities. On October 8, 2026, the Chattogram Port Authority officially signed the 15-year concession agreement with DP World. The deal includes World Chairman Esa Kazim, involves US$50 million in upfront signing fees and a commitment of US$150 million (over 1,000 crore BDT) for equipment upgrades, automation, and digital integration. Under the terms, the port authority is slated to receive between 40% and 67% of terminal revenue, plus an annual fixed fee of approximately 10 crore BDT. DP World is expected to manage a minimum of 1.23 million TEUs annually. Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam stated emphasized that the agreement is structured to protect protects national interests, noting that ownership of land, infrastructure, and assets remains with the government, while sovereignty, customs, and security controls stay under Bangladeshi authority. The government has also stated that current NCT employees will not lose their jobs or face salary reductions. Despite these assurances, the decision has sparked intense opposition from labor unions, political coalitions, and port protection committees, including the Chittagong Port Raksha Sangram Parishad Nationalists Workers Party and other labor groups continue to demand the deal’s cancellation, Anti-Imperialist and Anti-War Alliance. Protesters have labeled the deal a ‘black contract,’ citing risks to job security and national security, domestic expertise. Protesters revenue, and job security. Labor groups have threatened to escalate their movement with a mass hunger strike if discussions regarding employment guarantees are not held by Sunday. strikes and protests at the port to demand the deal’s cancellation and the public disclosure of the agreement’s full terms.