CHATTOGRAM, AUG 20: Chattogram seaport is worried over the imported hazardous chemicals after the Beirut port devastation on August 04.
The port never handled privately-imported explosive items, hazardous and inflammable chemicals. It only handled goods of Bangladesh Army with safety measures under the prevailing rules.
Now, the authorities are taking special safety measures for all other chemicals like industrial and medical chemicals, said the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA).
Sources said there may be some unclaimed, disputed or discarded stock, as old as of 28 years, of hazardous and inflammable substances lying at a shed of the port.
The CPA used to store chemicals and hazardous cargoes at Shed P. Containers carrying hazardous goods are kept at container yards.
It is reported that different types of dangerous goods, imported for the past 28 years, have been kept in 134 drums and 55 pellets of the shed. Meanwhile, the CPA has formed a seven-member committee led by its member (marine and harbour) Cdre Shafiul Bari to check chemicals and give a report on them.
CPA member (admin) Mohammed Jafar Alam, also a chemist, told the FE that there is no risk of Chattogram port for hazardous and inflammable chemicals.
"We examined some soda ash at the CPA store. Besides, industrial chemicals are on rolling. FCL containers of industrial chemicals are used to shift from port within very short time."
There is no chance to store industrial chemicals. Some LCL containers sometimes carried chemicals. The CPA used to deliver these after test, Mr Alam stated.
"We don't unload any hazardous and inflammable chemicals in our jetties or never stocked in our sheds. Bangladesh Army imports some explosives and chemicals which are always delivered safely."
CPA secretary Omar Faruk said the committee will submit a report with recommendations within two to three days. Later, the CPA will take necessary action.
Besides, the customs authorities will call for auction or destroy the undelivered goods, he added.
"We've already sent a letter to the customs authorities regarding disposal of undelivered goods. Chattogram Customs House already disposed some undelivered goods and sold some items in auction."
Cdre Bari said, "The committee comprises representatives from CPA, customs and environment department. We're enlisting hazardous goods stored at the port. We'll submit our report soon with recommendations."
Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Mahabubul Alam said, "Chattogram seaport is the gateway of our country. We should ensure safety of the port…"
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