Ctg port suspends entry fee increase for vehicles

The authorities at Chattogram Port have suspended the recently increased entry fees for cargo vehicles amid protests, bringing an end to the created deadlock.

The port's secretary, Md Omar Faruk, announced the decision on Sunday afternoon, October 19, after a meeting between port officials and representatives of transport owners and workers.

Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman and senior officials attended the meeting.

Omar Faruk said the movement of trucks, covered vans, lorries and trailers were closed from Saturday and as a result, the delivery of imported goods was shut which is related to the country's import and export.

That is why, a discussion presided over by the port chairman has been held with the transport owners and workers with utmost importance, he said.

Also Read: Ctg port paralysed as workers halt work

Stating that the port administration cannot instantly correct or cancel the gazette issued with government approval, the secretary said, "Despite this, the increased entry fees for vehicles have been suspended until further notice in consideration of the workers' demands."

Md Shamsuzzaman Sumon, port affair secretary of divisional goods transport federation, said the port chairman assured them that they, for now, no need to pay Tk 230 to enter the port, rather they can take pass at previous rate Tk 57.50.

"If we can avail pass for goods-laden vehicle at Tk 57.50, then, our vehicles will run goods to the port," he said.

Earlier, the authorities at Chattogram Port hiked the entry fees for cargo vehilces from Tk 57.50 to Tk 230.

MDIH/MSU