A sharp rise in port tariffs and export container handling charges at private inland container depots (ICDs) has triggered widespread protests from traders and port users, prompting the government to convene two high-level meetings this week to resolve the standoff.
The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) introduced a new tariff structure on October 15, raising import–export operational costs by an average of up to 41%. Meanwhile, owners of 21 private ICDs increased export handling charges by more than 44% from September 1 without prior approval from the authorities.
Business leaders, transport workers, and port users have taken to the streets and issued ultimatums demanding immediate withdrawal of the revised tariffs. The agitation has already led to transport strikes, fuelling fears of potential disruption at Chattogram Port—the country’s main gateway for foreign trade.
To ease the crisis, two meetings have been scheduled.
The Chattogram Port Authority will hold a meeting at 3:30pm on November 10, chaired by Shipping Ministry adviser Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain.
According to a notice issued on November 4 and signed by CPA secretary Md Omar Faruk, invitations have been sent to CPA board members, project directors, departmental heads, senior officials, the commissioner of Chittagong Custom House, and presidents and representatives of 27 business associations.
“This meeting has been organised as a result of our movement,” said Chittagong Port Users Forum convener and former CCCI president Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury. “We expect an outcome that ensures fair business costs.”
Separately, the Ministry of Shipping has called another meeting to address the handling charge hike at private ICDs. The meeting will take place at 11am on November 9 at the ministry’s conference room in Dhaka and will be chaired by the shipping secretary.
A notice signed by deputy secretary Kazi Mohammad Chahel Tantari said the meeting would examine allegations that the Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) increased service charges for import and export operations without the ministry’s approval. The notice was also sent to the CPA chairman.
Confirming the matter to the TIMES of Bangladesh, deputy secretary Tantari said discussions would specifically focus on the increased export-related charges imposed by ICD operators.
The CPA reiterated that any tariff changes by private ICDs must first be reviewed by the tariff committee and approved by the Ministry of Shipping before implementation. Private depots cannot impose new charges without legal authorisation, it said.
However, BICDA disagrees. Its secretary general Ruhul Amin Sikder confirmed the association’s participation in the November 9 meeting but maintained that private operators have the right to determine their own service charges.
