Parliament passed on Tuesday the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Bill-2022, scrapping advisory council.
The advisory council comprised local lawmakers and members of the port city's elite group.
The bill incorporates a provision of penalties in line with the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act-1995. The table 10 of the act will be applicable.
State minister for shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury moved the bill in the Jatiya Sangsad which was unanimously passed by voice vote.
Placing the bill, he says the proposed law will replace the Chittagong Port Authority Ordinance-1976.
To bring discipline in the port, Mr Khalid adds, "We've taken some steps to bring discipline in the port area… Steps have been taken to conduct a shipping census."
The CPA will have one chairman and a four-member board, but one or more experts may be co-opted onto the board.
For rent and other dues, it will prepare a chart and take permission from the government.
The port's chairman had power to waive Tk 1,000, but it has now been increased to Tk 100,000.
The port fund now can be spent on educational, healthcare and other heads.
On 15 November 2021, the Chattogram Port Authority Bill was placed in the House.
The bill was later sent to the parliamentary standing committee on shipping ministry for further scrutiny and submitting a report within 50 days.
Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury chaired the session.
UNB adds: Parliament on Tuesday passed the Trade Organisation Bill, 2022 was allowing foreign traders to form joint-trade bodies in Bangladesh.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi moved the bill and it was passed by voice vote.
This will replace the Trade Organisations Ordinance, 1961.
The legislation stated that some legal bases have been laid down for the women entrepreneurs in trade organisations through licensing.
A provision has been made for a joint chamber of commerce and industry (between countries) and a chamber of commerce and industry alliance.
The foreign traders will be able to form a joint chamber.
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