The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has allotted 14,940 square feet of land at Majhirghat to SS Trading for six months, although a case over allegedly unauthorised river installations at the same site remains pending before the port’s magistrate court.
Documents reviewed by TIMES of Bangladesh and recent site visits show enforcement action, legal proceedings and subsequent land approval linked to the right bank of the Karnaphuli River under Madarbari Mouza.
On 2 June last year, the-then CPA member (engineering) Commodore Kawsar Rashid issued a notice to the owner of Yusuf Mia Ghat over alleged unauthorised occupation and construction.
The notice alleged additional river mouth land had been filled and that a steel pontoon jetty, crane and conveyor belt were installed without approval.
It said the structures partially obstructed the mouth of the Majhirghat canal, affecting boat movement and natural water flow, and instructed removal within 15 days.
Port sources confirmed that a case over removal of the installations and related issues remains pending before the Magistrate Court of Chattogram port.
Despite the pending case, CPA approved a temporary licence on 7 January, following a board decision on 14 December 2025.
The annual rent was set at Tk46 per square foot, amounting to Tk343,620 for six months, along with 15 per cent value added tax.
The allocation letter, signed by Assistant Manager (land-2) Mohammad Raihan Uddin, imposed seven conditions, including a clause prohibiting construction.
It stated the land must be used strictly as open space for storing imported goods.
In its application, SS Trading described itself as an importer and supplier of pulses, wheat, corn, coal and stone.
However, a recent visit to Majhirghat shows two steel pontoon platforms stationed in the river adjacent to the allotted land.
One pontoon carries a crane unloading stones and other materials from lighter vessels.
Another connects to a conveyor belt along the riverbank, transferring cargo from vessels to land. A road linking the jetty to the storage area is visible and used by goods-carrying vehicles.
Observations indicate the installations have been present for several years, predating the temporary allocation.
Individuals familiar with port procedures questioned whether allocation should proceed before resolution of a pending magistrate court case.
They also raised issues over whether a competitive process was required, whether legal opinion was sought and whether the installations fall within the licence conditions.
Assistant Manager (land-2) Mohammad Raihan Uddin declined to comment.
CPA Secretary Sayed Refayet Hamim told TIMES of Bangladesh that port records show the conveyor belt and crane are registered under Yusuf Majhi Ghat.
He confirmed the case is ongoing before the magistrate court and declined further comment until it is resolved.
A representative operating at the site said the company rents land from CPA and unloads goods accordingly but denied ownership of the installations.
SS Trading Managing Partner Nur Mohammad referred queries to senior official Sohel Sattar.
Sohel Sattar told TIMES of Bangladesh that SS Trading rents land from CPA and unloads goods accordingly, denying ownership of the conveyor belt and crane and claiming they belong to Yusuf Mia Ghat.
Yusuf Mia Ghat owner Md Harun Yusuf disputed that claim, saying the conveyor belt and crane installed at the wharf where SS Trading unloads goods belong to SS Trading.
Port insiders said the installations extend into the river near the Majhirghat canal mouth and may raise navigational and environmental considerations, including silt accumulation and narrowing of the channel.
