The ongoing 'movement' spearheaded by a ruling-party leader against a private berth operator at the Chittagong Port has triggered worries among the port users from home and abroad.
Many a user of the Chittagong seaport -- considered Bangladesh's commercial lifeline -- fears the port operation might be disrupted once the situation becomes yet worse.
A veteran local leader of the ruling Awami League, ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury, who is leading the move under the banner of Chittagong Port Protection Council (CPPC), declared the port operator 'unwanted' in the port city.
Mr. Chowdhury, also former mayor of the port city, virtually issued an ultimatum as he asked the operator to leave the port within one month.
He announced the programme at a meeting held in the city on September 10, bringing several charges of malpractice against the firm.
The port operator handles cargoes at the Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT), the largest terminal with annual container capacity of 0.6 million.
It also operates the New Mooring Container Terminal since 2009.
Mahbubul Alam, chairman of Chittagong Port Users Forum, told the FE in Dhaka that they were totally frustrated by the developments surrounding the port.
"We want speedy cargo movement by any means and this type of development frustrates us," said Mr Alam, also president of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).
He said the government should ensure transparency and accountability, if not any, in the process of appointing berth operators.
Captain AS Chowdhury, the country chief of a feeder service operator in Dhaka, told the FE that their principals had been asking them about developments over the programmes being announced by the CPPC.
"We're just informing our principals about the day-to-day developments," Mr Chowdhury, also a leader of Bangladesh International Container Association, a group of 20 container-vessel operators, said.
Sahed Sarwar, a leader of Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, said his principals also want to know the status of the port activities following the ongoing movement.
Mr. Sarwar, also general manager of Tokyo-based K-Line, said if the situation persisted and became worse, the port activities would be disrupted. And such a crisis would affect both export and import trade.
"So far, we are not affected. But we are concerned about the future of the port operation -- whether or not the port activities are going to be disrupted," Mr Sarwar said.
Chittagong Port is the largest seaport of Bangladesh with annual capacity of handling 1.6 million containers.
Nasiruddin Ahmed Chowdhury, first vice-president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said the government should ensure a peaceful environment in the port activities.
"We will be affected if the situation continues," said Mr. Chowdhury, who deals with the port on behalf of the BGMEA -- the apex trade body in the country's main export sector.
He said: "We heard that there is lack of transparency in appointing berth operators."
"We want just favourable situation for the sake of our trade -- we don't get into the political debates," he added.
However, neither of the parties -- ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury and the managing director of Saif Powertec -- could be contacted for their comment as regards the standoff.
