Ctg port cargo transport operators withdraw strike

CHITTAGONG, Mar 6: Transport operators withdrew their strike and resumed transportation of cargo from the off-docks of Chittagong Port today after a successful meeting of all stakeholders.

The transport owners and workers who went on the strike on Monday called it off at 11:00am on Tuesday after a meeting with the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), said executive president of the Prime Movers and Trailers Owners' Association Abu Bakkar Siddique.

The meeting was held at the CPA Bhaban, with Director (traffic) of the CPA Golam Sarwar in the chair.

Association president Siddique said they have withdrawn the strike as the meeting decided that the container-carrying vehicles would not have to pay the gate fee of Tk 50, which was being realised by the off-docks.

However, the transport operators would pay the parking fee of Tk 50 to only those off-docks which have parking facilities. Out of a total of 18 off-docks, eight off-docks don't have the parking facilities. The meeting was attended by transport owners concerned, off-dock owners' representatives, Director (security) of the CPA Abdul Gaffar and senior port officials.

Chairman of Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association Nurul Quayyum Khan said the off-dock owners have accepted the decision not to realise the gate fee for the greater interest of the country's economy and for the sake of peaceful environment in the trade and business arena.

He, however, said charging gate fee is a legitimate claim of the off-docks as per norms and rules now in practice in all ports of the country. But vested quarters are trying to make it an issue and hold the business hostage to realise their illegitimate demand, he added.

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