A vibrant human chain and protest rally was held today in the city demanding transparency in the operations of Chattogram Port, the elimination of corruption, and the safeguarding of its sovereignty as the economic lifeline of the country. The front gate of the port building echoed with slogans such as “Save the Port, Save Chattogram, Save the Country.”

The program was attended by leaders of the Bangladesh Professional Rights Council (Chattogram Metropolitan), AB Party (Chattogram District), People’s Rights Council (South Chattogram District), and the Chattogram Reform Movement. It was led by Engineer Arif Mahmud, Revolutionary General Secretary of the Bangladesh Professional Rights Council (Chattogram Metropolitan), Engineer Lokman Hossain, President of AB Party (Chattogram District), Advocate Tayef, Belal, Jasim, Majid, and Sakhawat Mahmud, among others.

Speakers at the rally alleged, “Chattogram Port is currently under the control of a few politically privileged individuals and monopolistic business groups. Saif Powertec and six associated syndicates are operating with monopolistic control over the port, posing a threat to national economic security.”

They further demanded that the secretly amended 2018 Chattogram Port Act and tender process be reinstated and that operations be conducted under a transparent framework. Additionally, they urged the government to address unethical political influence over the port, labor exploitation, severe traffic congestion, lack of transparency in recruitment, and inequitable revenue distribution. During the event, 10-point demands were presented. Key points included: Introduction of a new tender process to ensure participation of competent domestic and international firms in port operations, Fair compensation for workers and prioritization of local labor in recruitment, A 40% risk allowance for port officials and employees, and equitable distribution of net profits, Effective measures to reduce chronic traffic congestion in and around the port area, At one point during the protest, demonstrators staged a sit-in at the main entrance of the Chattogram Port building. Later, Commodore Kawsar Rashid (E), psc, BN, Member (Engineering) of the Chattogram Port Authority, arrived on the scene, listened to their demands, and assured that discussions with port authorities would be held to resolve the issues. Following this assurance, the protesters temporarily suspended their program.

Members of Chattogram’s civil society viewed this initiative as a timely and necessary effort to protect the nation’s economic and strategic interests.