Chittagong Port is in news again! The country’s largest maritime port accounting for almost 90 per cent of the country’s exports hit the headlines this time around pertaining to introduction of the much-hyped electronic sealing and locking of containers and vehicles to nearby off-docks as per a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) issued by the National Board of Revenue (NBR), allegedly leading to prolonged delays in cargo handling and delivery.
This has two trade bodies, namely Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chittagong Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry shooting off letters to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, expressing the grievances of the importers and exporters.
“When the containers remain locked with bullet seals and there is no report of pilferage of cargo, the extra activities inside the limited port space or yards in the name of electronic sealing is simply uncalled for,” reportedly underlined Chairman of Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) Nurul Quayyum Khan, while speaking to the media.
He further alleged that the new move is aimed at giving advantage to a particular entity, reports said.
The BICDA besides voicing its concerns to the Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority on this issue has also written letters to top Government authorities seeking their intervention to withdraw the SRO issued by the NBR on June 26.
As per media reports, once the system is introduced, every container will have to wait for additional 48 hours in the port yard during which an importer would have to shell out Taka 600 extra for 48 hours and Taka 50 for every hour to the sealing company for each truck, covered van or trailer that unloads cargo from containers in the port’s yard.
It may be mentioned here that apparel manufacturers, many of whom are dependent on imported fabrics, trims and accessories to manufacture garments have also reportedly expressed their apprehensions considering the fact that apparel exports subject to strict delivery timelines have to face financial loss on delayed order execution and shipments.