Business leaders are sounding the alarm over the economic fallout from the deepening crisis at Chittagong Port, urging Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to intervene. They warn that an indefinite strike, set to begin tomorrow, could have severe consequences just four days before the national election. The leaders of major business associations, including the Bangladesh Employers' Federation, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, and Bangladesh Textile Mills Association, have penned an open letter expressing deep concern. They describe Chittagong Port as the 'lifeline of the national economy', handling 99% of the country's container traffic and 78% of seaborne trade. Any prolonged shutdown, they warn, could cause irreparable damage to key export sectors, particularly ready-made garments, and create artificial shortages of essential goods ahead of Ramadan. The letter highlights the potential for massive demurrage payments due to vessel congestion and cargo delays, putting additional pressure on the country's foreign exchange reserves. While commending the interim government's reform initiatives and preparations for a free, fair, and neutral election under Yunus's leadership, the signatories express deep concern over the 'deep impasse' at the port. The situation has been exacerbated by the announcement of continuous strikes and shutdowns at the port terminals and outer anchorage from February 8 by the Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad, a platform of port workers and employees opposing the proposed lease of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to UAE-based DP World. Seven consecutive days of dialogue and coordination meetings involving various stakeholders have failed to produce a breakthrough, with the business leaders pointing to the controversial NCT lease plan as the core trigger of the unrest. Legal actions and investigations initiated against protesting workers have made the situation more volatile. The letter urges the chief adviser to take immediate steps to promote mutual understanding among workers, port authorities, and other stakeholders, emphasizing the undesirable impact of any disruption to the country's supply system and economic activities just four days before the national election. The appeal comes as port workers prepare to resume an indefinite strike after a brief 48-hour suspension following talks with Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain. The protest movement began in late January over the government's plan to hand over the NCT to DP World, leading to a six-day work abstention that brought port operations to a standstill, causing significant losses. Although the strike was temporarily paused after negotiations with the shipping adviser, labour leaders warn of potential bad faith actions by the port authority, including transferring protesting employees and seeking anti-corruption probes and travel bans against labour leaders. Protesters demand the cancellation of the NCT lease deal, the removal of the port chairman over alleged corruption, the withdrawal of cases filed against workers, and assurances that no further punitive measures will be taken. Trade bodies, particularly in the export sector, warn of potential order cancellations, shipment delays, price hikes, and job losses if disruptions continue. With Ramadan approaching, business leaders fear that supply chain instability could also lead to higher prices of essential commodities. Port authorities, on the other hand, have accused the strikers of disrupting national trade and have taken administrative and legal steps, further hardening positions on both sides. Operations at the port remain fragile, and stakeholders brace for fresh disruptions if the strike resumes as announced, with the election scheduled for February 12 and economic sensitivities running high. The business community's appeal underscores the growing concern that the failure to resolve the standoff quickly could amplify economic pressures and spill over into the broader political and social landscape.
