Allegations mount against cargo vessel owners for aggression against inland vessels in Bangladesh, say reports

The Inland Vessel Owners Association of Chittagong has lodged accusations against the Bangladesh Cargo Vessel Owners Association, asserting their role in causing disorder within the country’s sea route goods transportation sector.

The allegations include attacks on ships and interference with loading and unloading operations, as voiced by Parvez Ahmed, Vice President and Spokesperson for the Inland Vessel Owners Association, during a recent press conference at the association’s Agrabad office in Chiitagong.

In a written statement, Ahmed expressed the frustration of Inland Vessel Owners Association members and ordinary ship owners over the past four years.

He cited autocratic manoeuvres, monopolistic practices, irregularities, and corruption by certain leaders within the Bangladesh Cargo Vessel Owners Association. Concurrently, the High Court declared the Water Transport policy illegal, leading the Inland Vessel Owners Association to disassociate itself from Water Transport Cell activities on 19th November.