Operations at the Vertex Offdock Logistics Service’s private inland container depot (ICD) in the Katgarh region of Chittagong Patenga have been suspended for the past four days due to a labour dispute involving two resigned employees.
The strike, which began on 3rd May, has led to the blockage of at least 350 export containers, mainly containing ready-made garments, leather products, and other industrial goods, and has also caused the stranding of over 100 import containers at Chittagong Port. The disruption has severely impacted trade, with depot authorities warning of delays that could lead to missed delivery schedules, canceled orders, and financial penalties for exporters.
Concerned about the continued stalemate, Imran Fahim Noor, managing director of Vertex Offdock Logistics Service Limited, said, “This entire depot, with about 500 workers, has been paralysed by the actions of just 60 transport workers.”
Citing the resignation of two drivers as the source of the conflict, the depot management has formally complained to the Divisional Labour Department and the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA). At the heart of the protest are Md. Wasim, who left his position after 4.3 years with two months’ notice, and Md. Anwar, who left his position after 3.2 years with one month’s notice, even though he was required to give two months. The business asserts that it is dedicated to paying their unpaid salaries, benefits, and allowances.
However, Md. Abul Khair, general secretary of the former executive committee of the Prime Mover Workers Union, ordered the strike because he believes that workers are making irrational demands that are above the law. Khair claimed that the walkout was a valid demonstration for equitable pay and more transparent terms of employment, calling for all employees to get their legal salary and benefits and for appointment letters to expressly adhere to labour regulations.
He mentioned that a meeting was held on 7th May to negotiate these issues and indicated that the strike would continue until their demands are met. When pressed about the financial losses caused by the missing shipments, Khair blamed the depot owners, claiming, “This loss is the result of the owners refusing to meet our just demands.”
The ongoing disruption highlights the critical impact of labor disputes on Bangladesh’s export-import infrastructure, with industry stakeholders urging swift resolution to restore normalcy.
