Dhaka, Feb. 5 -- Business leaders have urged the government to act swiftly to resolve the deadlock at Chittagong Port, warning that the ongoing shutdown could trigger an economic "catastrophe" before the national election.

In a joint statement on Thursday, 10 trade organisations said the stalemate over leasing the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to foreign operator DP World has paralysed the country's main seaport.

They cautioned that unless the crisis is resolved immediately, recovery will be impossible.

The statement noted that import‑export activities have halted, raising fears of price hikes during Ramadan.

The signatories included Bangladesh Employers' Federation, Bangladesh Chamber Of Industries, Metropolitan Chamber ...