Chattogram Port eyes big jump for better position

The government will take initiative to develop Chattogram Port's infrastructure as part of its modernisation that will facilitate cargo handling.

The roads linking to the port are due to be developed while preference will be given to the people of this region for employment at the port.

State Minister for shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said this while briefing reporters after the meeting of the 14th Advisory Committee of Chattogram Port at the Shaheed Munshi Fazlur Rahman Auditorium.

"We are working to move the position of Chattogram Port to 30th from 58th out of 100 world special ports that handle containers," said the junior minister.

The port, known as the lifeline of the country's economy, has been running in full swing even amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

"I do not want to award any responsibility to incompetent people," said Khalid.

Responding to a question from reporters about the lack of progress in the capital dredging project for the River Karnaphuli, the state minister said dredging must continue to keep the port running.

Work is underway to procure equipment for dredging, he said, adding that many investors have shown interest in the Bay Terminal Project, and work on this project will start as soon as an agreement is reached.

Earlier in his welcome address at the beginning of the meeting at 11am, Khalid Mahmud said 97% of Bangladesh's budget is implemented with the country's own funds.

At present, people of the country are proud that the Padma Bridge is being built with their own money.

Several mega projects are also being implemented including: the Matarbari Deep Seaport, the Bangabandhu Tunnel under the River Karnaphuli, the Elevated Expressway, Metro Rail, and railway from Chattogram to Ghumdhum in Cox's Bazar.

Addressing the journalists, the state minister said, "Your writing and news coverage have given us inspiration and courage for the overall development of Chattogram Port."

"There was a time in the country when negative news was the prime news, but now the news of the progress of development in the country is spreading far and wide. People of this country do not pay much attention to negative news," observed the minister.

Ahsanul Haque Chowdhury, chairman of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, attended the meeting of the Port Advisory Committee.

He said the meeting's participants are aiming for: speedy auctions of unreleased goods from the port, the removal of private container depots within 20 kilometres of the port, reducing various service bills, and developing specialised hospitals at the port.

However, no significant decision was reached at the meeting of the advisory committee, added Ahsanul.

Lawmaker engineer Mosharraf Hossain, Deputy Minister for Education Barrister Mahibul Hasan Chowdhury Nawfel, lawmaker Mostafizur Rahman Chowdhury, Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury, Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Abul Kalam Azad, Customs House Commissioner Fakhrul Alam, CDA Chairman M Zahirul Alam Dobhas, District Council Chairman Abdus Salam, C&F agents association president AKM Altaf Hossain, BGMEA leader Nasiruddin Chowdhury, Saif Powertech Managing Director Tarafdar Md Ruhul Amin, Buffer Director Khairul Alam Sujan, among others, were present at the meeting.

Port member Mohammad Zafar Alam conducted the meeting.