ZCZC
BSS-24
PORT-CONTAINER-CONGREGATION
Comprehensive steps stressed to reduce container congregation in Ctg port
CHATTOGRAM, April 14, 2020 (BSS) – Terming Chattogram Port as economic lifeline of the country, speakers at a meeting today underscored the need for comprehensive measures to reduce container congregation in the port to protect the national interest.
They said containers are not being sufficiently delivered from the port as container handling are not sufficient due to coronavirus outbreak in the country.
So, appropriate measures should be taken to reduce congregation in the prime port of the country.
They came up with the observations while addressing the port coordination meeting at local Circuit House here.
Presided over by Divisional Commissioner ABM Azad, the meeting was also addressed by City Mayor AJM Nasir Uddin, Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Sheikh Abul Kalam Azad, Custom House Commissioner Fakhrul Alam, President of Bangladesh Shipping Agent Association Ahsanul Haque Chowdhury, Port director (administration and planning) Zafar Alam, President of the Barth Operators Association, Fazle Ikram Chowdhury, Liaquat Ali Howlader, secretary of the port based C&F Agent Association and BGMEA director Anjan Shekhar Das.
City Mayor AJM Nasir Uddin said social distancing must be ensured as it is a must to contain the spread of coronavirus. So, considering all the aspects, comprehensive recommendations should be taken to reduce container congregation in the port.
The divisional commissioner said as the Ctg port is the lifeline of country’s economy, time-befitting manner should be taken to reduce container congregation as the country as well as the entire world is facing coronavirus pandemic.
Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Sheikh Abul Kalam Azad said, “We have been able to identify the problem that the containers are not being sufficiently delivered from the port. With the help of everyone we can solve the problem within four days.”
President of Bangladesh Shipping Agent Association Ahsanul Haque Chowdhury demanded that the bank should be open till 5 pm for export and imports.
Port director (administration and planning) Zafar Alam said, “Container delivery has now declined due to Corona situation.” He also proposed that all port-related organisations should be open for 24 hours or a full day to reduce container congregation.
Additional Commissioner of CMP (Traffic) SM Mostak Ahmed said the law enforcers will assist port employees so that they can move smoothly.
Port member Commodore Shafiul Bari, BKMEA leader Shawkat Osman, former Chamber director Mazharul Haque Shah, Buffer director Khairul Alam Sujan, director of nuclear power commission Dr. Shahadat Hossain, BSTI Director Selim Reza, Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank Chattogram AKM Mohiuddin Azad, Additional Divisional Commissioner Shankar Ranjan Saha, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ilias Hossain, Brigadier General Kabir Ahmed, Coast Guard Staff Officer Lieutenant Commander Saiful Islam, among others, were present.
BSS/MAM/RY/1905 hrs