BM Desk:  The Chattogram Port Authority has suspended the increased gate pass fee (additional charge) for vehicles entering the port. This has temporarily resolved the deadlock caused by the increase in gate pass fees for cargo vehicles under the new port tariff schedule.

The Chairman of Chattogram Port has assured that the increased fee will remain suspended for cargo vehicles.

On Sunday (October 19) afternoon, after a meeting between the port authority and representatives of transport workers and owners, the decision was announced by Port Secretary Md. Omar Faruk.

He stated that since Saturday, the movement of trucks, covered vans, lorries, and trailers had been halted at the port, resulting in a suspension of imported goods delivery. As the issue is directly connected to the country’s import-export activities, a high-level discussion was held under the chairmanship of the port chairman with the workers and owners. He added that although the port authority cannot immediately amend or withdraw a government-approved gazette, considering the demands of the transport workers, the increased gate pass fee for vehicles has been suspended until further notice.

Omar Faruk further said, “Following the meeting, we will send a proposal with recommendations to the board, and then to the ministry. Once the proposal is approved, you will be informed of the final decision. For now, the increase is suspended.”
The present transport worker and owner representatives assured that they would return to work. Nearly 6,000 trucks and covered vans are currently waiting outside the port and will now be engaged in delivery and export operations.

Md. Shamsuzzaman Sumon, Port Affairs Secretary of the Divisional Goods Transport Federation, stated that during the meeting, the Port Chairman suspended the increased fee for cargo vehicles under the new tariff schedule.
He said, “The Chairman informed us that for now, we won’t need to pay the increased rate of Tk 230 for entry. We can obtain passes at the previous rate of Tk 57.50. If we get passes at that rate, our vehicles will resume transporting goods at the port. Every day, about 8,000–9,000 cargo trucks and covered vans operate in the port area.”

Alauddin Faruk, General Secretary of the Chattogram District Truck and Covered Van Workers’ Union, said, “After lengthy discussions, the Port Chairman confirmed that the increased gate pass fee for cargo vehicles is suspended. Once we receive written confirmation of the suspension, we will withdraw our strike. Since the implementation notice was given in writing, we also expect the suspension to be communicated in writing before we take necessary action.”

A deadlock had emerged at the country’s main seaport following the introduction of a new tariff schedule that increased gate pass fees for cargo vehicles. The hike in gate pass fees for C&F staff under the new schedule led to work stoppages by prime mover and trailer owners, and the C&F Agents Employees’ Union. The Inter-District Truck Owners’ Association also announced similar programs in protest. Although the deadlock has temporarily eased after the meeting with the Port Chairman, concerns remain unresolved.