Terming the new tariff structures imposed by the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) as “ill-timed and irrational,” businesspeople have demanded that its implementation be withheld until a thorough discussion is held with all stakeholders.
They announced plans to meet the chief adviser of the interim government soon and submit a written proposal following consultations with industry representatives.
The demand came at a coordination meeting held on Sunday at the Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View under the banner of “Businessmen From All Levels of Chattogram.” The meeting was presided over by former Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) President Amir Humyun Mahmud Chowdhury.
Speakers included Bangladesh Cement Manufacturers Association President and Seacom Group Managing Director Mohammed Amirul Haque, KDS Group Managing Director and BGMEA First Vice President Salim Rahman, International Business Forum Chattogram President SM Abu Tayyab, Chattogram Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) Vice President AM Mahbub Chowdhury, Pacific Group Managing Director Syed Mohammad Tanvir, Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association Director Khairul Alam Suzan, Chattogram Customs Agents Association President Saiful Alam and General Secretary Showkat Ali.
Amir Humyun said any “conspiracy centring the port must be stopped,” calling for a representative from the Chattogram Chamber to be included on the port’s board. “The port should make profits for its development, but such profits must be reasonable. Why has the tariff been raised by 41%?” he questioned.
Amirul Haque termed the tariff hike a “conspiracy,” noting that no such increase was imposed for Mongla or Payra ports. “Although it’s claimed the tariff rose by 41%, in reality, some services have increased fivefold,” he said, stressing that tariff rates should be determined through stakeholder consultation.
BGMEA First Vice President Salim Rahman said businesspeople are not opposed to higher tariffs if services improve accordingly. “The readymade garment sector is the port’s largest user, paying for both imports and exports. Since the port never incurred losses, why was a 41% hike necessary?” he asked.
Shipping Agents Association Director Khairul Alam Suzan said they had earlier suggested a moderate 10-15% increase, but their proposal was ignored. “In 1986, the dollar was Tk30, and now it’s Tk122, meaning tariffs have already increased several times,” he added.
The event was also addressed, among others, by Asian Group Chairman Abdus Salam, Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPME) Vice President Shahidullah Chowdhury, BGMEA former first Vice President Nasir Uddin Chowdhury and BARVIDA Leader Habibur Rahman.
