Bangladesh Port Workers Strike Indefinitely Over Foreign Operator Lease Deal

• Workers at Bangladesh's main Chattogram seaport launched an indefinite strike against the interim government's plan to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to Dubai-based DP World.
• The Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad coordinator, Humayun Kabir, called the decision "suicidal" and vowed to continue the strike until the government reverses its stance.
• The strike, which follows an eight-hour work stoppage, has severely disrupted vessel movements and raised fears among business leaders of economic impact and shortages ahead of Ramadan.
• Protestors allege government pressure to accept a revenue-sharing deal over a per-TEU rate, fearing it will make the port a loss-making entity and lead to job losses.
• The High Court recently ruled the 25-year lease agreement between Chattogram Port Authority and DP World legal, despite worker opposition.

Why It Matters: Chattogram port workers strike indefinitely against leasing a key terminal to a foreign operator.