Unauthorised boat triggers security concern at Ctg port

The Chittagong port authorities have issued some instructions expressing security concerns following the seizure of foreign alcoholic drinks from an unauthorised boat sent by freight forward agency GBX Logistics Limited to a foreign ship moored at the outer anchorage, reports bdnews24.com.

A port official said on Friday that the GBX incident might seem insignificant, but could lead to a security threat.

"Theft or any other unwanted incident on a ship will get huge foreign media coverage and damage the Chittagong port's reputation as an international one," he said, requesting anonymity.

"That's why the shipping agents have been given the letter with warning and  instructions," he added.

The port authorities sent the letter to Bangladesh Shipping Agents' Association on Feb 15 after five bottles of foreign alcoholic drinks were found in a GBX Logistics boat sent to a ship, MV OEL Lanka, on Feb 9.

In their letter, the port authorities asked the shipping agents to refrain from sending anyone other than authorised people to foreign ships, to inform the port's radio control while sending a small vessel, and not to bring unauthorised or dangerous goods from foreign ships ashore in order to ensure national security.

The authorities also asked the agents to register the vessels sent to foreign ships for office work.

Describing the Feb 9 incident, the port authorities said GBX Logistics sent the boat carrying documents to MV OEL Lanka.