The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) will meet with stakeholders to evaluate the much-discussed tariff that went into force on 15th October and provoked strong opposition from entrepreneurs and trade associations.
Amir Humyun Mahmud Chowdhury, Convener of the Chattogram Port Users’ Forum, stated that the discussion will take place in 10 to 15 days in order to arrive at a reasonable and acceptable resolution.
Following a protest meeting on 18th October, the forum issued a seven-day ultimatum threatening to close the port.
At a view exchange and discussion meeting held on Wednesday afternoon at City Convention Hall on the city’s Agrabad Access Road, Forum President Chowdhury revealed the development. The topics of discussion included weigh scales, port tariffs and ways to make the Chattogram Chamber more accountable and business-friendly.
Speaking to the forum, Chowdhury stated that the Port Chairman was able to withhold the higher rate for the transports after the ultimatum and work abstentions witnessed by transport owners, workers, customs agents and employee associations.
“The four-hour work abstention by the C&F Agents and Employees Association was also withdrawn to avoid any disruption in the port then,” he said.
“We wrote to the main adviser once more and he assigned a representative to speak with us. On Tuesday, we spoke with the Port Chairman and an agency official,” Chowdhury stated.
The Port Chairman decided to meet with the stakeholders within 10 to 15 days after the conversation. It is anticipated that the meeting will determine which is reasonable and practical, Chowdhury said.
