Port users warn of Chattogram Port closure over new tariff

Chattogram Bureau :

Port Users Forum President Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury warns that Chattogram Port will be shut down if the new tariff issue is not resolved within a week.

He issues the warning at a protest meeting organised by the Port Users Forum at the Navy Convention Hall on Saturday, protesting the imposition of unreasonable and excessive tariffs on various services at Chattogram Port.

Former Chattogram Chamber Director Amirul Haque says that if the port tariff is to be increased, all concerned should sit together and decide where the increase should be made.

“Call the stakeholders. If the port is closed due to the new tariff or any other reason, those responsible for it will bear the consequences we will not be responsible,” he says.

He adds, “Customs officers are protesting, the software is not working did you remove the store rent? You have imposed the new tariff at a time when there is no leadership in the Chittagong Chamber. We will not allow the new tariff to be implemented.

The fee for a normal truck or trailer driver at the port, which used to be Tk 57, has now been increased to Tk 230. Is this a scam or a fraud? Why should my driver pay such an amount? Once this pass cost only 50 paisa.”

In addition, MA Salam, BGMEA Director MDM Mohiuddin, and Chittagong Press Club Member Secretary Jahidul Karim Kochi also spoke at the meeting.