Reasons behind Ctg port’s security lapse must be investigated thoroughly

Chattogram Port in recent months has experienced a spike in theft and piracy, endangering the brighter image it had earned with a whole slew of sincere steps.

According to a media report, in six months to July this year, six incidents of robbery took place.

Chattogram Port, which in 2006 was labelled by International Maritime Bureau (IMB) as the most dangerous port in the world, strived a lot to get rid of the stigma and succeeded to get an accolade.

In 2012, IMB removed Bangladesh from its list of high-risk pirate-prone countries, thanks to the sincere effort of the security companies, installation of 1250 CC cameras and the financially happy watchmen, delivering their duties diligently.

Most probably the economic insecurity, which is now plaguing every aspect of life adding new poor to the already existing list of the poor, was not that much acute at that time at least for the security personnel.

Despite all the security apparatus, watchmen and companies in place, the port is lagging in terms of security in the port area and outer anchorage. Now the questions arise as to:
Why is a secured port getting insecure in spite of all the security systems in place?
What did the watchmen do during the six incidents which have tarnished the image of the port?
Was there any security lapse? If there is any, why were not the persons responsible for lapses booked?
These vital questions must be answered before taking any step to secure the port.

Unless that is done, there can’t be a permanent change in the port’s security system.

Moreover, in this regard, we also urge the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) to rethink and consider the security people’s economic hardship which might have affected their sincerity in the sentinel’s job.

The authorities should not defocus the financial matters while taking any decision regarding security lapses.

CPA also should consult with Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association (BSAA) leaders who fear the cost of guarding the ships in dolphin jetties and outer anchorage going up.

Their concerns should be taken into account as the rising cost of shipping may affect the consumers.