No one allowed to operate ports against country’s interest: Adviser

Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain has said that no one will be allowed to operate ports in a manner that harms the country’s interest.

He made the remarks on Monday (November 10) at 9:30 am during the inauguration of the Laldiya Container Terminal. Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority, was also present.

Addressing the recent tariff hike at the port, the adviser said, “Before increasing tariffs, we consulted all stakeholders, including businesspeople and port workers. Now the workers are claiming they were not consulted.”

He added, “The port had been operating on tariffs set in 1984 for 40 years. After four decades, the port has updated its tariffs. Since some businesspeople have raised complaints, we will request the port authority to review the matter.”

Highlighting the need for investment and technology in port development, he said, “Many will comment on the port, but to improve it, we need technology and funds. Around four to five billion dollars will be invested in the port. Most ports in developed countries are operated by professional port operators. Why should we lag behind? That’s why we are making efforts too.”

He also spoke about the opportunities the Laldiya Terminal offers for businesses, noting, “The terminal will increase capacity to store 10,000 containers.”

It was reported during the event that the Laldiya Char Terminal spans 14 acres and can accommodate 1,500 trucks. A heavy-lift cargo jetty backup will cover eight acres, while the APM Terminal area occupies 10 acres.

After the inauguration, the adviser visited the Bay Terminal transport terminal, the Taltola Container Yard (near East Colony), and the newly constructed XY Shed and Customs Auction Shed.

Although he was scheduled to attend a meeting on new port tariffs and charges later in the day, the meeting was postponed.

Commenting further on the tariff issue, he said, “Businesspeople will run businesses. Tariffs were set in 1984. Businesspeople earn Tk 1,000 but pay the port only Tk 500. In Chinese ports, operations are automated with minimal staff. Here, we are running ports with manpower. The court has also issued directives regarding tariffs.”