CHATTOGRAM, Oct 30: The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has cleared out a total of four containers after 12 years of the import of flammable and dangerous goods in those.
Officials at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) confirmed removal of the four risky containers from Chittagong port on Tuesday (October 29).
Sources said on October 27 last, the consignment was released to the auction bidder M/S SA Trading & Company after collecting revenue of Tk 4.1 million (Tk41 lakh).
The risky four containers were released through close monitoring and sequential efforts of the experts and officials concerned.
NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan following invitation from CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman visited Chittagong port with the members concerned from October 1 to 3.
During this time, he held meetings and discussions with various stakeholders.
The NBR chief in a joint port-customs meeting warned that if the four containers of flammable and dangerous goods were not removed immediately, the situation of Chittagong port might be like that of Beirut in Lebanon.
A massive loss of lives was also apprehended, as took place in the port of Beirut.
In the meeting, the CPA chairman requested intervention of the NBR chairman for their quick disposal.
The CPA chairman expressed concern about the four containers of 93 tonnes of highly flammable Sodium glycerolate (HScode 29054500).
After the meeting, the NBR chairman quickly pointed out the challenges regarding the disposal of dangerous goods shipments and directed the Chittagong Custom House (CCH) authorities and commissioners to clear the obstacles at the NBR level and take measures to clear the containers quickly.
After that, the commissioner of CCH held an urgent meeting with the auction committee of CCH and identified the complications in clearing the consignment in the auction process.
To avoid possible loss of property, the NBR chairman spoke to the commissioner and the port chairman several times over the phone. The auction bidder is involved at this stage, concerned sources said.
Finally the goods consignment was released to auction bidder M/s SA Trading & Co. after collecting revenue of Tk4.1 million (Tk 41 lakh).
However, after the intervention of NBR chairman, on October 27, the containers were released to the auction bidders after careful monitoring and sequential efforts.
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