The stakeholders of Chittagong port stressed quick delivery of containers to overcome the container congestion at the port.
In a meeting called and chaired by Divisional Commissioner of Chattogram A B M Azad and held at Chattogram Circuit House on Tuesday the stakeholders said if the importers do not take delivery of containers during the government-announced holidays, Chittagong port will not be operative in next week. "So, the importers have to take delivery of containers on schedule," they said.
Addressing the meeting, Chairman of Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Rear Admiral Sheikh Mohammed Abul Kalam said, "If the operational activities of Chittagong port stop due to container congestion, the country's economy will collapse at a time. Presently, the delivery of containers is very slow and in fact it is not satisfactory. We can identify our problem. So, we have to ensure the delivery of containers now. If the stakeholders and importers and exporters help us, we can manage the container congestion within next four days."
Member (Admn and Planning) of CPA Md Jafar Alam said, "Chittagong sea port is handling the 98 per cent container trade and 92 per cent cargo trade of the country".
"If the delivery at Pangaon and Kamalapur increases, the yards will be vacant, the containers can be sent there from Chittagong port. Besides, all concerned organisations including banks, customs, etc should be open for 24 hours for continuous delivery of containers from Chittagong port," he added.
Commissioner of Chattogram Customs House Fakhrul Alam said, "If the banks are open until 5.00 pm everyday, the exporters and importers will be benefited and it will be helpful for releasing the goods from Chittagong port."
Director of BGMEA Anjan Shekhor Das said, "Exemption of port store-rent is not adequate for making delivery of containers normal. The authorities should exempt the port charges; demerge charges and all other charges during the crisis period now. Besides, ICDs should be open for 24 hours in this regard."
The meeting came following a shipping ministry letter sent to the Divisional Commissioner of Chattogram to take steps by arranging a meeting with the stakeholders to insure quick delivery of containers from Chittagong port.
