Dhaka, Feb. 4 -- Workers and employees at Chittagong Port are continuing their strike in protest against the government's initiative to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign company.

No work was under way on Wednesday as workers stayed away from duties at various jetties for a fifth consecutive day, bringing all operational activities to a halt.

There was no movement of goods or containers at the port, including the normal cargo berth and container jetty. Ship movement from the outer anchorage was also suspended.

Protesters said a "dead silence" had descended on the port's jetties.

The Port Jatiotabadi Sramik Dal began an eight-hour daily strike to oppose the government's decision to hand over the NCT to UAE-base...