Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association (BSAA) has strongly protested the implementation of what it termed as excessively high and irrational tariffs by the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA).
The association expressed deep frustration and concern over the enforcement of the new tariff structure from midnight on October 14, alleging that the decision was made unilaterally and without stakeholder consultation.
In an emergency meeting at the BSAA office in the Mecca-Medina Trade Center on Wednesday, representatives of member agents condemned the port authority’s move, saying that charges in some service categories have been raised by more than 70 percent compared to the 1986 tariff schedule. They described the increase as unjustified, excessive, and unacceptable.
In a press statement signed by BSAA General Secretary Md Harun Mia, the association urged Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to intervene and ensure that the tariff is reviewed and redetermined through meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders to protect the interests of port users and the national economy.
The BSAA stated that it had repeatedly raised objections to the proposed tariff hike during the review process – both in writing and in meetings. At a meeting held on June 2, chaired by the Shipping Adviser, it was agreed that stakeholders would submit written proposals by June 30, after which a joint committee would be formed to scrutinise the proposals and prepare recommendations. It was also decided that a follow-up meeting would be held with the NBR Chairman and stakeholders in Chattogram on July 3.
According to the BSAA, the association submitted detailed opinions and proposals in line with that decision. However, no stakeholder meeting was convened, and the final tariff notification was published in the government gazette on September 14, before being implemented on October 14.
Meeting participants alleged that the CPA moved ahead unilaterally, disregarding the views of shipping agents – who play a key role in the country’s foreign trade – as well as rational suggestions from major trade organizations such as BGMEA, BKMEA, and the Port Users Forum. They warned that foreign shipping principals have already indicated the possibility of imposing surcharges on shipments, which could have adverse effects on Bangladesh’s trade and economy.
Speakers at the meeting said the sharp rise in tariffs would inevitably raise import and export costs, with the burden eventually falling on end consumers. They noted that several business bodies, including BGMEA, BKMEA, and the Port Users Forum, have already formally protested the tariff hike and sought the Chief Adviser’s intervention.
Concluding the meeting, the BSAA called for immediate suspension of the new tariff implementation until the decision of the June 2 meeting – which required a joint review – is properly executed. The association emphasised that all tariff revisions must be made transparently, rationally, and with full stakeholder participation to ensure fair treatment of all port users and to safeguard the country’s trade competitiveness.
