Chattogram Port Strike: Travel Ban Sought on 15 Employees

The Chattogram Port Authority has requested travel bans on 15 employees who have been protesting against the leasing of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), accusing them of inciting disorder under the cover of a movement.

The authority has also asked the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to probe their movable and immovable assets.

The request was made in a letter signed by Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim and sent to the secretary of the Ministry of Shipping on Thursday. Copies were also forwarded to the ACC, the National Security Intelligence (NSI), the Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant agencies for necessary action.

According to the letter, the employees are allegedly involved in activities against the state, and investigations into their actions are already under way. It urged the relevant departments and agencies to impose travel restrictions to prevent them from leaving the country.

The port authority further requested the ACC to investigate all movable and immovable assets of the 15 employees and take appropriate action.

Those named include Md Humayun Kabir, coordinator of the Chattogram Port Protection Movement Committee and of the Jatiyatabadi Port Workers’ Dal; fellow coordinator Md Ibrahim Khokon; and port employees Md Faridur Rahman, Mohammad Shafi Uddin, Rashidul Islam, Abdullah Al Mamun, Md Jahirul Islam, Khandaker Masuduzzaman, Md Humayun Kabir, Md Shakil Raihan, Manik Majhi, Md Shamsu Mia, Md Liyakat Ali, Aminur Rasul Bulbul and Md Rabbani.

After the movement began, 16 individuals — including Humayun Kabir and Ibrahim Khokon — were transferred, but they have yet to join their new postings.

Efforts to reach the port secretary for comment were unsuccessful, as he could not be contacted by phone.