Leaders of labour, student, and professional organisations in Chattogram have issued a stern warning against any attempt to lease out terminals of Chattogram Port, including the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), to foreign entities.

Speaking at a protest rally today, they threatened intensified action if the government proceeds with the plan.

The demonstration, held at Agrabad Badamtoli intersection under the banner "Bondor Rokkhay Chattogramer Sramik-Chhatra-Peshajibi-Nagorikbrindo", drew sharp criticism of the administration.

Speakers alleged that despite the port's profitability and operational capacity, a "conspiracy" is underway to transfer control to multinational corporations and foreign powers, undermining national interests.

They also claimed that the government has imposed a one-month ban on rallies and public gatherings in the port area to suppress opposition and facilitate the signing of "anti-national" agreements.

Freedom fighter and Gonomukti Union President Raja Miah presided over the rally, which was addressed by Trade Union Centre President Khorshed Alam, SKOP Joint Coordinator Rizwanur Rahman, Advocate Shafi Uddin Kabir Abid of the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist), Chattogram Bondor Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal General Secretary Ibrahim Khokan, Dock Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal General Secretary Akhtar Hossain Selim, and Democratic Student Council Chittagong University Convener Dhrubo Barua.

Speakers argued that the interim government lacks both the legal mandate and moral authority to make such strategic decisions.

Raja noted that Chattogram Port generates over Tk 2,500 crore in annual profit, yet the government recently raised port tariffs by 41 percent, allegedly to benefit foreign operators.

The rally concluded with a demand that Chattogram Port remain under national management and not be privatised or leased to foreign companies.

Organisers also expressed solidarity with upcoming protests by the Left Democratic Alliance and the Anti-Fascist Left Platform, scheduled for October 27 in front of the Ministry of Shipping in Dhaka, and a hunger strike led by SKOP on November 1 at Chattogram Press Club.

The event was conducted by Garments Workers Union Secretary Satyajit Biswas.