Industries using explosive chemicals facing hurdles
Thursday, 8 April 2010
Jasim Uddin Haroon
Some industrial units are now facing difficulties as the Bangladesh Navy has enforced tight control over the import of chemicals of explosive nature.
More than 100 such items are allowed to enter the country under the country's import policy. The chemicals are used by different industries, including glass manufacturers, tanneries and pharmaceutical companies.
Bangladesh Navy's Commodore Nizam Uddin said: "These are also used in making bombs, so we are maintaining strict vigilance at the import stage."
The Navy now demands final 'no objection certificates' (NoCs) issued by the Department of Explosives before unloading of cargoes of explosive nature.
Commodore Nizam said: "We've already expressed our intention to meet shippers along with the senior officials of the Department of Explosives to explain the rules relating to the import of the explosives."
Recently, Nasir Glass Factory opened letter of credit (L/C) for import of 60 tonnes of sodium nitrate for its factory after obtaining a pre no objection certificate from the department concerned.
But the shipping line, which would carry the item for the Nasir Glass, faced trouble as Bangladesh Navy said it would not allow unloading of chemical in question without final NoC.
Importers take pre NoC from the Department of Explosives during the opening of L/C. They submit the final NoC during delivery as the importers get the same from the department after submitting bill of lading, packing list and invoices.
Ahsanul Hoque Chowdhury, chairman of Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, said: "The consignees are now facing troubles and also incurring losses."
He said: "Carriers are also suffering because of the changed stance on the part of the Navy."
Mr Ahsan said one carrier recently expressed that it would not carry any such item bound for Bangladesh under such circumstances.
Some industrial units are now facing difficulties as the Bangladesh Navy has enforced tight control over the import of chemicals of explosive nature.
More than 100 such items are allowed to enter the country under the country's import policy. The chemicals are used by different industries, including glass manufacturers, tanneries and pharmaceutical companies.
Bangladesh Navy's Commodore Nizam Uddin said: "These are also used in making bombs, so we are maintaining strict vigilance at the import stage."
The Navy now demands final 'no objection certificates' (NoCs) issued by the Department of Explosives before unloading of cargoes of explosive nature.
Commodore Nizam said: "We've already expressed our intention to meet shippers along with the senior officials of the Department of Explosives to explain the rules relating to the import of the explosives."
Recently, Nasir Glass Factory opened letter of credit (L/C) for import of 60 tonnes of sodium nitrate for its factory after obtaining a pre no objection certificate from the department concerned.
But the shipping line, which would carry the item for the Nasir Glass, faced trouble as Bangladesh Navy said it would not allow unloading of chemical in question without final NoC.
Importers take pre NoC from the Department of Explosives during the opening of L/C. They submit the final NoC during delivery as the importers get the same from the department after submitting bill of lading, packing list and invoices.
Ahsanul Hoque Chowdhury, chairman of Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, said: "The consignees are now facing troubles and also incurring losses."
He said: "Carriers are also suffering because of the changed stance on the part of the Navy."
Mr Ahsan said one carrier recently expressed that it would not carry any such item bound for Bangladesh under such circumstances.