Workers and employees of Chittagong Port resumed an indefinite strike on Sunday, after a two-day break, protesting the decision to lease the port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to UAE-based DP World.

The fresh phase of the strike began at 8am under the banner of the Port Protection Movement Council. Earlier, the platform had observed a six-day strike that continued until Thursday.

Port operations have come to a halt, with work suspended at various jetties, terminals, container depots and outer anchorages. Additional law enforcement personnel have been deployed at different port gates since morning to maintain order.

At a press conference held at the Chittagong Press Club on Saturday, Port Protection Movement Council Coordinator Md Humayun Kabir announced the resumption of the indefinite strike.

The council had earlier enforced a strike from January 31 to February 5 afternoon, demanding the cancellation of the NCT lease decision. Port officials said the previous strike caused significant financial losses.

Meanwhile, the port authority has reportedly requested the relevant authorities to bar 15 workers involved in the movement from leaving the country and to investigate their movable and immovable assets.