The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Undertaking has emphasised transparency, efficiency and accountability in the financial management and operational activities of the Chattogram, Mongla and Payra port authorities.
The emphasis was expressed at the committee’s fifth meeting held at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, presided over by Nurul Islam Moni, chief whip and committee chairman.
The meeting reviewed the financial management, operational activities and audit reports of the three port authorities, focusing on preventing the misuse of public funds, resolving longstanding audit objections and ensuring accountability of the authorities concerned.
Security and operational management at Chattogram Port were also scrutinised following a report published in a national daily under the headline “Containers full of goods disappearing one after another, security risks at Chattogram Port.”
According to a press release from the parliament secretariat, the committee stressed the need for effective measures to improve port security and management, dispose of auctionable containers and vehicles that have remained at the port for a long time, strengthen coordination between the customs authorities and the port authority, and resolve existing operational complications.
Moreover, the meeting discussed strengthening digital management systems and improving transparency in port operations.
While evaluating dredging activities, project implementation and related audit objections at Mongla and Payra ports, the committee emphasised achieving the intended outcomes of the projects and ensuring the proper use of public funds.
It recommended determining responsibility and taking necessary action under the relevant rules if irregularities or financial losses were established during project implementation.
The committee also discussed recovering matured fixed deposits held by Chattogram Port Authority in different banks and resolving longstanding audit objections involving the port authorities.
It underscored the need for effective measures to safeguard public money, ensure proper project planning and strengthen accountability in financial management.
The meeting was attended by Tahsina Rushdir, Khondaker Abu Ashfaque, Mohamed Koysor Ahmed, Biswas Jahangir Alam, Mustafizur Rahman Bhuiyan, Muhammad Nazibur Rahman and Mohammed Kamal Hossain, alongside Miah Nuruddin Ahmad Apu and Md Akhtaruzzaman Mia, whips and committee members.
Also present were the comptroller general of accounts, the additional comptroller general of accounts, the shipping ministry secretary, officials from the ministry and the parliament secretariat, and representatives of the concerned port authorities.
