Chattogram Port Authority Chairman SM Moniruzzaman today spoke at a press conference at Bandar Bhaban Chattogram. Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS) - Chattogram Port Authority Chairman SM Moniruzzaman today expected the unrest over the proposed deal by entrusting a foreign company to operate its main container terminal to calm down soon claiming majority of striking workers agreed to resume duties despite an indefinite shutdown call.

“I have discussed with workers and employees representatives for about two hours today. They agreed to join their respective duties” he told a press conference Bandar Bhaban.

He said overall situation at the port would become normal “gradually from today”.

The press conference was called as protesting workers called afresh the indefinite shutdown after two days of pause following previous six days of work abstention under the banner of “Chattogram Bandar Rakkha Sangram Parishad” or “Chattogram Port Protection Movement Council”.

The workers are mounting protests against planned leasing out of the port’s New Mooring Container Terminal to Dubai-based DP World but Moniruzzaman said right now there was no chaos at the port.

“Vehicles are operating normally and officials and employees have confirmed their intention to work,” he said but warned that no one should debar them from performing their duties.

The CPA chief, however, alleged that some striking employees were trying to hold the port hostage being influenced by external forces and asked them to abide by the code of their service being loyal to the State and the Constitution.

He said despite the actions of these “misguided” actions, the port operations were continuing smoothly and those who were causing disruptions were actually acting against the state and the people, aiming to create unrest ahead of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

The CPA chief said the government was not trying to ink the deal in haste despite speculations this was being done in unusual swiftness.

“I don't see any rush” on government’s part to lease out the terminal to the foreign company and had it been so the process would have been completed within the past 17 months.

He said the notion that the agreement was being signed before the elections was “baseless” as "the agreement has not been finalized yet” and “misleading information is being spread prematurely”.

"Protests and work stoppages began at the port after the High Court verdict. The matter is now progressing through the legal process, and the next steps will be taken after exhastion of required process in the Supreme Court," he said.

The CPA chief, however, said the “state's decisions will prioritize the interests, needs, and welfare of the people and the country" but added “until the agreement is signed, the details cannot be confirmed”.

He also commented “misinformation is hindering the process".