Chattogram, Feb. 2 -- Workers and employees at Chattogram Port on Monday announced a 24-hour work abstention on Tuesday, escalating a standoff with authorities over plans to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to global port operator DP World.

The announcement was made by Md Humayun Kabir, coordinator of the Bandar Rakkha Sangram Parisad, as port operations remained partially paralysed for a third straight day due to repeated eight-hour work stoppages.

Cargo handling at Chattogram Port, which accounts for more than 90% of Bangladesh's seaborne trade, has been severely disrupted, with loading and unloading of goods from ships coming to a halt.

Traders warned that continued interruptions could trigger mounting financial losses...