Photo: Messenger
The Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority, Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, commented that there is good news about the ongoing work of the game-changer project Bay-Terminal next month.
He said this during an exchange of views held at the Shahid Fazlur Rahman Munshi Auditorium of Chittagong Port on Thursday noon.
He stated that strict measures have been taken regarding the security and operations of the port. Yesterday (Wednesday) we caught a few petty thieves. As you know, stealing at the port is not an easy task. Yet, some thieves attempt to enter the port by hanging under vehicles. There is no opportunity for any questions to be raised about port security. However, we have strengthened compliance further through ISPS.
Regarding increasing the pace of operations, he said that there is a tendency to anchor ships outside the port. I do not understand why this is so. To ensure the smooth supply chain of all products, stabilize market prices, maintain uninterrupted port activities, and ensure safe maritime traffic, lighter vessels have been instructed to leave the port limits within 72 hours after loading goods. Otherwise, legal action will be taken as per applicable laws of Chittagong Port Act and ISPS Code.
He said the port was hostage to various syndicates during the previous government’s tenure. We have succeeded in breaking the syndicates, which has resulted in a significant reduction in port costs. Additionally, this port has set records in cargo and container handling. Compared to 2023, container handling has increased by 7.42% and cargo handling by 3.11%. To make this port people-friendly, we need to work on the basis of transparency, justice, and fairness.
Calling on journalists to prevent an artificial crisis of goods during Ramadan, the port chairman said, We have information about the sufficient import of goods that are in demand during Ramadan. We are also streamlining port transportation through scheduling. Please keep an eye on the fact that no unscrupulous traders create an artificial crisis of goods during Ramadan. We are working to ensure that there are no congestion issues inside and outside the port.
Messenger/Shakhawat/Tushar
