Panama vessel denied entry to Ctg port

Upon advice from the UNSCR panel of experts, the government has denied permission to a Panama flag-carrying cargo vessel MV Zhong DE1 to enter Chittagong port, reports UNB.

"In conformity with the provisions of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1718 (2006) and as per the advice of the panel of experts established pursuant to UNSCR 1718 (2006) and 1874 (2009), the government has decided to deny entry permission to Chittagong port to the cargo vessel MV Zhong De1, IMO No 8715493," said a Foreign Ministry media note on Friday.

The Foreign Ministry, however, did not clarify why the ship was denied permission and what it was carrying actually.

Contacted, Secretary of the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Omar Faruq told UNB that the vessel was carrying over 43000 metric tonnes of cement clinker to Chittagong from Vietnam.

"Most of the crew in the vessel are from North Korea," he said adding there is an embargo from the UNSCR but did not elaborate.

The vessel already entered Bangladesh water territory on Thursday night (near Kutubdia), said the official.