SCB plea to waive freight of empty containers

Shippers' Council of Bangladesh (SCB) demanded of the government to waive the freight of empty containers under feeder service between Chittagong and Mongla ports and prepare a specific policy regarding freight increasing by shipping lines.

The council came up with the appeal while its Chairman Md Rezaul Karim met Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan, MP, in the city recently, according to a statement issued by the SCB.

SCB Senior Vice Chairman Mozibur Rahman Mridha, Vice Chairman Arzu Rahman Bhuiya and directors Ariful Ahsan, AKM Aminul Mannan (Khokon), Afsaruddin Sawpan, Md Zahidul Islam, Mohammad Maruf Hossain and Syed Md Bakhtiar were present on the occasion.

Rezaul Karim informed the minister of existing problems in ports faced by traders and exporters. The SCB chief also placed some recommendations to the minister.

Through the recommendations the council demanded to take initiatives for infrastructure development of Benapole port, build-up a truck terminal and ensure supply of electricity in Benapole Land Port, make the Pangaon Terminal more effective and trade friendly and implement the Deep Sea Port project in Sonadia."

The SCB also demanded to carry out dredging work in the harbour area and outer anchorage of Mongla port,  provide modern facilities for loading-unloading of cargo in Mongla Port, arrange sufficient modern equipments for stuffing of jute and jute goods at the Mongla Port and build-up the private container terminal in Mongla Port area like Chittagong .             

The shipping minister gave the SCB delegation a patient hearing and assured of resolving the problems as early as possible.