Dhaka, Oct. 12 -- Workers at Chittagong Port have launched a hunger strike demanding the cancellation of a concession agreement with Dubai-based DP World to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT).

The strike began after 11am on Monday at the port's One Stop Service Centre, organised by Jatiotabadi Sramik Dal and the Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad (Port Protection Struggle Council).

Humayun Kabir, coordinator of the council, said the protesters had given the government time to open talks, but it had taken no initiative.

"That is why we were forced into the hunger strike," he said.

He said they were still willing to give the government more time.

"If it still does not sit down for talks, we will be forced to announce tougher ...