A coalition of business leaders and traders in Chattogram has strongly protested the upcoming tariff hike at Chittagong Port, demanding its immediate suspension.
The new tariff structure, set to come into effect from October 15, has sparked widespread concern among port users, who argue that the decision was made unilaterally without proper stakeholder consultation.
The protest was voiced during a coordination meeting held on Sunday afternoon at a hotel, organized specifically to oppose the port authority’s decision to increase service charges.
The meeting was chaired by Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury, former president of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), and attended by several prominent business figures.
The port authority has set the tariff increase of up to 41 percent on its services — the first such hike in over three decades.
In response, several shipping lines have already begun raising their container transportation charges, triggering concern across the trade community.
Traders and representatives of various business organizations across Chattogram expressed dismay at the lack of dialogue before implementing a move that could have far-reaching impacts on the region’s economy and trade competitiveness.
They said that this decision by the port authority will make Chittagong Port one of the most expensive ports in the world.
Speaking at the meeting, Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury said, “Any change in port tariffs should be preceded by meaningful consultation with port users.”
The sudden increase, without discussion or transparency, will only burden importers and exporters at a time when businesses are already facing economic challenges.
“We are not against rational revisions,” port users said, “but any revision must be based on logic, transparency, and the consent of port users. Arbitrary hikes serve no one and hurt the national interest,” he added.
Referring to the tariff hike as a potential conspiracy against Chittagong Port, prominent businessman Amirul Haque expressed serious concern over the decision.
“Many of us are aware of the various kinds of conspiracies surrounding the port,” he remarked, hinting at underlying issues yet to be addressed.
He further questioned the rationale behind selectively increasing tariffs at Chittagong Port, asking, “Why has the hike been imposed only on Chittagong Port and not on Mongla or Payra ports?”
Many attendees at the meeting emphasized that Chittagong Port, as the country’s principal seaport, should operate in coordination with its stakeholders.
Traders also noted that the decision comes at a time when the global economy is still recovering from disruptions caused by the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, making cost increases especially difficult for local businesses to absorb.
In the meeting, the participants demanded the immediate suspension of the new tariff plan and urged the port authorities to hold an open dialogue with trade bodies and other stakeholders to reassess the proposed changes.
The business community plans to formally present their concerns to the Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus in the coming days.
Some have also hinted at the possibility of stronger protest measures if their demands are not addressed.
As the October 15 implementation date approaches, all eyes are now on the CPA to see whether they will respond to the mounting pressure and reconsider their decision.
