Hundreds of port workers in Bangladesh initiated a widespread hunger strike on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Their protest targets the interim government’s contentious decision to lease the nation’s primary commercial seaport in Chattogram to international firms. This significant labor action unfolds amidst a turbulent political climate, with national elections just months away.
Anwar Hossain, a prominent leader of the Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP), the leading alliance of worker unions, vocally opposed the move at a rally in Chattogram. “This decision runs contrary to our national interests and will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he declared, echoing the strong sentiment of the protestors.
This symbolic hunger strike, which drew support from a diverse range of labor activists and political groups, marks an escalation of protests that began a month prior. Workers initially mobilized against Professor Muhammad Yunus’ administration’s proposal to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to DP World, a prominent operator based in the UAE.
Demonstrators emphasized that the NCT, a vital component of Bangladesh’s primary trade gateway, was developed using domestic funds and state-of-the-art technology. They highlighted its status as the country’s most efficient and successful container terminal.
As the world’s second-largest garment exporter, Bangladesh’s economy is heavily reliant on the Chattogram port, which facilitates the vast majority of its international trade, both imports and exports.
Following his ascent to power after last year’s tumultuous street protests that led to the overthrow of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, Mr. Yunus promptly advocated for the port’s management to be entrusted to the “best operator in the world.” He underscored the strategic importance of the facility, positioned on the Bay of Bengal.
This proposition immediately drew concern from security experts and sparked political opposition. However, the issue temporarily receded from public discourse amidst the subsequent political unrest.
The controversy reignited in September when Yunus articulated his view that Bangladesh had not fully leveraged the potential of the Bay of Bengal, despite its fundamental importance to the nation. He then voiced his government’s intention to modernize ports in Cox’s Bazar, Matarbari, and Maheshkhali.
During the ceremonial signing of the July Charter, he stated, “These upgraded ports have the capacity to stimulate regional economic growth and bolster trade relations with neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and India’s ‘Seven Sisters’ region, creating mutual benefits for all stakeholders.”
Azam J. Chowdhury, Chairman of the Bangladesh Ocean Going Ship Owners’ Association (BOGSOA), had previously argued against the leasing plan, stating, “It is illogical to lease out terminals that we have developed and managed successfully for the past four decades.”
At the demonstration, Kazi Sheikh Nurullah Bahar, another SKOP leader and former general secretary of the Chattogram port, stressed that the government has a responsibility to safeguard public assets instead of leasing or selling them off. He also called upon Mr. Yunus to guarantee a transparent and equitable transition of power through upcoming elections.
This protest proceeded despite a police ban on rallies and street marches by port workers. SKOP leaders declared the hunger strike as merely the initial phase of their opposition to the government’s controversial decision.
They issued a stern warning, threatening broader labor actions, including prolonged work stoppages and blockades of port operations, should the government fail to reverse its leasing plans.
According to the state-run BSS news agency, DP World has expressed interest in operating the New Mooring Container Terminal, while Danish shipping conglomerate AP Moller-Maersk has shown interest in the Laldia Container Terminal, both located near Chattogram.
Mohammed Yousuf, senior secretary of the Shipping Ministry, indicated that “agreements are expected to be signed by December” between the interim government and these foreign operators.
He further revealed on October 12 that two additional terminals – Laldia in Chattogram and the Pangaon river port in Dhaka – are also slated for 25-to-30-year leases to foreign companies.
Mr. Yunus had previously stated his government’s intention to engage the “best” and “most experienced” international port operators to elevate Chattogram into a world-class facility. However, a number of security experts have voiced concerns that this decision could ultimately jeopardize Bangladesh’s national sovereignty.
In a nationwide television address in June, Mr. Yunus appealed to citizens: “I urge the people not to fall prey to unfounded opposition and propaganda. Please continue your unwavering support for the interim government’s port management initiatives. Resist those who seek to obstruct progress.”
He further assured the public in the same address, asserting, “The international partners we are bringing in to manage the port have a proven track record and have never threatened the sovereignty or national security of any nation where they’ve operated.”
The Chattogram Port is indispensable to Bangladesh’s economy, managing over 90% of the country’s maritime trade and virtually all of its container traffic.