Sramik Dal halts Ctg port blockade ahead of Eid

The Chattogram Port unit of the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal has suspended its blockade programme at jetty gates to allow uninterrupted transport of goods ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

The decision came today, on the final day of the group's previously announced three-day protest programme against the proposed privatisation of the port's New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT).

"As per instructions from the BNP central leaders and considering the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, we have decided to suspend our programme to maintain the uninterrupted flow of imported and exported goods," said Mozammel Haque, a leader of the port unit of Sramik Dal, BNP's labour affiliate.

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Sramik Dal announces week-long protest over NCT lease

Anwarul Azim Rinku, an executive member of the Chattogram divisional unit of the organisation, also confirmed the development to The Daily Star.

Protests and pen-down strikes over the past two days by port workers and customs officials have already caused congestion of ships and loaded containers at the port.

Earlier, Sramik Dal launched its three-day movement on May 24, opposing what it said was the government's plan to hand over operations of the NCT terminal to foreign entities.

Separately, members of the Chattogram Protection Committee also staged a protest march from the Chattogram Press Club premises around 11:00am, voicing opposition to the same move.