The implementation of higher tariffs at Chattogram port has been deferred by one month, with relevant authorities now asked to explain why the roughly 41% hike should not be declared illegal and without lawful authority.
A High Court bench comprising Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque and Justice Ainun Nahar Siddique passed the order on Sunday after hearing a writ petition filed by the Bangladesh Maritime Law Society (BMLS).
Earlier on October 13, the BMLS issued a legal notice to the Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. In it, the chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) and its chief finance and accounts officer demanded immediate cancellation of the tariff hike.
The organisation, led by Advocate Mohiuddin Abdul Kadir, termed the new tariff structure as “illegal, arbitrary and against public interest”.
Against this backdrop, the urged for its complete withdrawal within the next 72 hours and warned that failure to act would result in legal measures to safeguard public and national economic interests.
The CPA implemented the new tariffs on October 15, increasing port charges by an average of 41 percent while the rise even exceeded 400 percent in some cases. This steep hike has triggered strong backlash from trade groups, leading to threats of port shutdowns.
Cargo transport owners and workers had also suspended their activities at the port and neighbouring inland container depots for having to pay higher gate-pass fees.
In response to the mounting pressure from businesses, the CPA will hold a stakeholder meeting on Monday (November 10) to review the viability of increased tariffs.
Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Shakhawat Hossain is expected to attend.
Syed Mohammad Arif, chairman of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, said they are very pleased with the court order.
“Since a crucial meeting on the tariff review is scheduled for November 10, this decision will help ensure a balanced discussion,” he added.
Arif also said the tariffs were implemented without considering the views of businesses.
“We expect the shipping ministry to determine a reasonable and business-friendly tariff.”
