CHATTOGRAM, Dec 03: The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has requested the Ministry of Shipping to appoint an administrator to run the Bangladesh Ship Handling and Berth Operators Association, citing escalating infighting that is disrupting cargo handling at the outer anchorage.
The request has triggered a strong pushback from the association's leaders, who deny any infighting or disruption to cargo operations.
In a letter issued on Tuesday, the CPA told the shipping ministry that growing disputes inside the association over the upcoming election were slowing cargo discharge at the outer anchorage and creating operational irregularities.
It warned that the situation was affecting the country's import-export flow, creating revenue loss risks.
But association leaders say the CPA claims are unfounded and politically timed.
The association's election is scheduled for December 20, with two panels contesting it.
Its leaders argue that the election-season competition is normal and not grounds for outside intervention.
They also accuse the CPA of trying to derail the vote and gain leverage over the association so that it can influence operator licensing.
According to the CPA letter, 33 licensed ship handling operators currently work at the outer anchorage, all under the association's umbrella.
It maintains that feuding groups inside the association have already caused delays in unloading cargo from mother vessels to lighter ships.
The CPA asked the shipping ministry to take urgent steps to appoint an administrator "in the national interest" until stability returned.
Copies of the letter were sent to senior officials at the shipping, commerce, public administration, and finance ministries, and also the National Board of Revenue.
Association leaders say the CPA has no authority to seek an administrator when the election schedule has already been announced.
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