Uncertainty surrounds the new tariff at Chattogram Port, which was suspended for one month on Saturday, just a week after its implementation.
Businessmen, opposed to the sharp 41 percent average increase in the port tariff, are now left wondering about the future — what will happen after one month?
The tariff, which was enforced on September 15, was suspended on September 20 by Shipping Advisor Brigadier General (Retd) M Shakhawat Hossain in response to concerns raised by traders. However, there is still no clear direction from the port authority or the Ministry of Shipping regarding its next steps.
Traders expressed frustration over the sudden hike, arguing that a 10–12 percent increase would have been more reasonable. They are now demanding a minimum of six months to adjust, citing long-term contracts with international shipping companies that cannot be altered overnight.
At a workshop on “Customs and Port Management: Problems, Prospects, and Way Forward” held on Saturday, Shipping Advisor Brigadier General (Retd) M Shakhawat Hossain announced the one-month delay to address concerns raised by stakeholders.
When asked about the future of the tariff, he told TIMES of Bangladesh, “Let a month pass. Be patient. I will be able to provide a decision after the month.”
However, neither the Ministry of Shipping nor the Port Authority could provide clarity on the next steps following the suspension.
Efforts to reach Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman went unanswered.
A senior official from the Ministry of Shipping’s Ports Division, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “The Shipping Advisor verbally announced the suspension of the tariff, but we have not received any official instructions on the next course of action.”
During the September 20 meeting, Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association Chairman Syed Mohammad Arif highlighted traders’ concerns.
“Traders strongly reacted to the tariff being enforced just one day after the gazette publication. We believe more consideration should have been given before implementing such a significant hike overnight,” he said.
“Domestic agents and shipping companies have long-term rental contracts that cannot be altered abruptly,” he added, stressing, “We demand the tariff remain suspended for at least six months and that it be thoroughly reviewed.”
Demanding no tariff hike at all, he said, “If necessary, the port authority can increase tariffs by a maximum of 10–12 percent after six months.”
Business leaders also criticized the hike, calling it “unreasonable” and warning that it would raise costs across all sectors.
Premier Cement Managing Director Amirul Haque told TIMES of Bangladesh, “Chattogram Port is already a revenue-generating institution. Increasing tariffs by more than 41 percent while ignoring traders’ opinions is not justified.”
Although the new port tariff was announced to have taken effect from September 15, it has yet to be collected.
Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Omar Faruk said the port’s system needs to be upgraded to collect the new tariff, and the suspension is allowing time for the upgrade.
