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Chittagong Port: Demands a positive change

28 April 2005, 18:00 PM
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
By Siraj Ud-Daulah NCCB, Sylhet
28 April 2005, 18:00 PM
Chittagong Port, once associated with the ancient history according to historians like Fa Hien, has recently become synonymous to corruption and inefficiency. The economic growth and flourishing largely depends on proper as well as efficient use of the port as the port deals eighty percent of our exports & imports. It is thought to be the life blood of Bangladesh economy. But a research with regard to Chittagong port conducted recently by TIB is thought provoking as well as terrific for our glorious port.

The research work has unearthed huge irregularities and tangles in transportation of goods. The report shows that the shipping companies or agents have to encounter terrible shocks for using the harbour. The fact that they have to offer tips or bribe on, at least, eleven spots.

There are ten pilots in Chittagong port who were appointed long ago, directly control ship berthing and taking a ship to the outer anchorage. They charge Tk 5000 each time for bringing the ship into berth and Tk 5000 for taking the ship to outer anchorage. An ex-chairman of the port once commented that the port is hostage to ten people. If they say the weather is bad then there is no hope for the ship to enter the port, but if bribe is offered then the weather automatically becomes good.

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The research work has also uncovered huge informational data which may help to take punitive measures against the culprits who are liable for the illegal activities in Chittagong Port. This is the time to think whether we are taking enough initiatives to make the port efficient and corruption free or letting it to the hand of the culprits who are regulating this port for the fulfillment of their own interests. The government should contemplate over the matter in order to bring about a change in the existing scenario of the port for the betterment of the country.