Business leaders call for Chief Adviser’s intervention

In a desperate bid to save the national economy from a looming catastrophe, the country’s top business bodies have appealed to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus for immediate intervention. The plea comes as the Chattogram Port Protection Struggle Council (Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad) prepares to launch an indefinite strike tomorrow, 8 February—just four days before the national election and weeks ahead of Ramadan.

The heads of BEF, BGMEA, BKMEA, and BTMA warned in an open letter that any prolonged disruption at the nation’s primary gateway would cause "irreparable damage" to the garment industry and trigger a supply chain collapse for essential commodities.

The Core of the Crisis

The dispute centers on the proposed lease of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to UAE-based global operator DP World. While the government views this as a step toward modernization, labor groups are fiercely opposing the move.

Protesting staff have accused the port authority of "bad faith" maneuvers, including instigating ACC probes, imposing travel bans, and executing punitive transfers against labor leaders. Despite seven days of stakeholder talks and a brief 48-hour suspension of protests following a meeting with Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, no resolution has been reached.

Severe Economic Risks

The business community highlighted that Chattogram Port handles approximately 99% of container traffic and 78% of seaborne trade. The fallout of a total shutdown is expected to be multi-faceted:

• RMG Sector Collapse: Manufacturers fear massive shipment delays and the subsequent cancellation of high-value export orders.

• Ramadan Market Volatility: Supply chain breaks are expected to cause artificial shortages and price hikes for essential goods just as demand peaks.

• Foreign Reserve Strain: Increased vessel congestion and demurrage charges will place further pressure on the country's foreign exchange holdings.

Escalating Tensions

Port authorities have hardened their position, accusing the strikers of "holding the national economy hostage." Meanwhile, protesters demand the immediate removal of the Port Chairman and the unconditional withdrawal of all cases and administrative actions against workers.

"A port shutdown during this critical period is not just a strike; it is a threat to national stability. We urge the Chief Adviser to bring all parties to the table immediately." — Joint Statement from Trade Body Presidents.

With the national polls scheduled for 12 February, the standoff has added a layer of volatility to an already tense political and social landscape. All eyes are now on the Chief Adviser’s office to see if a last-minute executive intervention can avert the strike scheduled for tomorrow morning.