The government has suspended for one month the increased tariff announced by Chattogram Port, Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain said on Saturday.
He added that the government is preparing a National Port Strategy covering land, river, and seaports to ensure long-term development, which is expected to be finalized within this year.
Speaking at a workshop on Customs and Port Management: Problems, Prospects and Way Forward at the Chattogram Port Authority auditorium, the adviser also said plans are underway to set up a cold storage chamber at Mongla Port for preserving perishable goods.
He noted that if Mongla’s potential is fully utilized, it could be developed into a hub for regional trade.
Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Finance Ministry, called for forming a task force with all relevant ministries, agencies, and stakeholders to enhance seaport efficiency.
Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping Md Yusuf, NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan, CPA Chairman Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman, and Chattogram Additional Commissioner Nusrat Sultana also spoke at the workshop.
PT/ra
