Blockade hits port operations

Chittagong: Army troops deployed at Chittagong Port were put on high alert during the blockade that began from Sunday and almost brought all work to a halt, said port officials.

Delivery of goods from this port was totally suspended though cargo handling work inside the port and its jetties was carried out partially, port officials added.

Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority, Mosleh Uddin said that troops patrolled areas in and around the port to ensure security as well as to help the port to function.

‘We are ready to ensure delivery of containers from the port’s premises, but the consignees did not come, fearing attack by the agitators,’ he said. ‘So the delivery of containers came to a halt, which increased the congestion inside the port’s sheds.’

‘It is difficult to unload cargo from the ships which are waiting in the queue if there is shortage of space,’ he added.

He informed New Age that about 20,000 containers have piled up inside the port’s yards, worsening the congestion problem.

Besides, 16 container ships have become stranded due to congestion, he said. ‘However, we are trying to keep the port running despite all odds,’ he said.

Sources in shipping circles said that if the deadlock continues the foreign ship operators might slap surcharge on import and export cargoes.