Photo : Collected
Good news has come from the Chittagong port authority. They have been successful in clearing about 76000 metric tons of goods that remained stranded in containers for weeks.
The port was already filled to its capacity and the last-minute clearance came as a big relief to the authorities. What is commendable is the fact that the port officials, in the absence of internet service, used the old system to issue papers and get the job done.
We are happy to learn that ships of various sizes had arrived at the port to facilitate shipment of export cargo after a halt of over two weeks.
The government has judiciously allowed internet connection to some priority zones, especially in the business sector, to infuse life in to our economy which is the need of the hour. The activities related to production of goods and export remained suspended since the violence started in the country.
The worst hit was the readymade garment sector. This particular sector has lost about 1600 crore takas on a daily basis as covered vans with goods could not reach the port because of road blocks and threat of looting and arson.
The factory owners feared cancellation of orders if shutdown had continued for an indefinite period. It is good news that already some RMG factories have opened up and resumed production.
Almost every sector of the economy has been hit in the last two weeks. Among them we may mention that the power sector has lost about Tk. 1000 crore in the vandalism. Work is now going on to repair the damaged stations so that supply of electricity can resume within a short time. Even small and big retail shops incurred a loss of Tk. 2000 crores every day because of shut down. The fear of looting and arson forced them to keep their shutters down.
It has now become essential for everyone irrespective of their individual identity to take the pledge to restore the economy. A healthy economy only can ensure a healthy nation. Therefore, at any cost the wheels of economy must keep moving.
Messenger/Fameema
