Bill proposes tougher punishment for pollution in Ctg Port area

A Bill titled "Chattogram Port Authority Bill 2021" was placed in the parliament today, incorporating tougher provision of punishment for polluting environment in the port area.

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury placed the Bill in the House which was sent to the respective Parliamentary Standing Committee.

The committee was asked to submit its report before the House within 60 days.

The bill was placed also aiming to abolish the Chittagong Port Authority Ordinance 1976 as it was promulgated during a military regime.

The draft law also says that if any rule is not stated in the environment preservation law, and is breached, the fine will be six months of imprisonment or TK two lakh as fine or both.

As per the bill, the punishment for harming environment by polluting water, land and the coast has been set as per the environment preservation law.

According to a new provision incorporated in the bill, the punishment for dodging toll, fee and other charges of the port will result in a one-month jail term or a fine of TK one lakh or both.

For rent and toll, the authority will formulate a chart and take permission from the government. But for below TK 5,000, there will be no need to take permission.

The proposed law also created a fund for the development of the port.

As per the bill, there will be one chairman and a seven member board. The board will at least hold one meeting every two months.