Dhaka, Feb. 2 -- Authorities have transferred 15 more Chittagong Port officials involved in protests against lease of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to foreign handlers, a move denounced as "harassment".

The Ministry of Shipping announced the reshuffle on Monday, citing "official necessity" as the reason.

Of the 15 officials, seven have been sent to Mongla Port in Khulna, while eight have been posted to Payra Port in Patuakhali.

The transfers come amid an ongoing movement against the decision to lease NCT to UAE-based operator DP World.

Since Saturday, the Port Nationalist Labour Party has been observing daily eight-hour work stoppages in protest.

The demonstrations are now being carried out under the banner of the Chattogr...