Ctg port's call for administrator appointment sparks backlash from ship handling operators
Although the port has asked the Shipping Ministry to take urgent steps to appoint an administrator “in the national interest” until stability returns, the association leaders, however, are not convinced
The Chattogram Port Authority has urged the shipping ministry to appoint an administrator to the Bangladesh Ship Handling and Berth Operators Association, warning that internal conflicts are hampering cargo handling at the outer anchorage.
The move has drawn strong pushback from the association's leaders, who reject claims of infighting or operational disruptions.
The CPA, in a letter issued yesterday, told the ministry that growing disputes inside the association over its upcoming election were slowing cargo discharge at the outer anchorage and creating operational irregularities. It warned that the situation was affecting the country's import–export flow and risking revenue losses.
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Association leaders say the port's claims are unfounded and politically timed. The association's election is set for 20 December with two panels contesting. Leaders argue that election-season competition is normal and not grounds for outside intervention.
They also accuse the CPA of trying to derail the vote and gain leverage over the association so it can influence operator licensing.
According to the port's letter, 33 licensed ship-handling operators currently work at the outer anchorage, all under the association's umbrella. Feuding groups inside the association have already caused delays in unloading cargo from mother vessels to lighter ships.
The port has asked the shipping ministry to take urgent steps to appoint an administrator "in the national interest" until stability returns. Copies of the letter were circulated to senior officials at the shipping, commerce, public administration and finance ministries, along with the National Board of Revenue.
Association leaders, however, are not convinced.
Sawwar Hossain Sagar, a chairman candidate, told TBS that if any cargo-handling disruptions had occurred, the port authority could have informed the association directly. He said delays often stem from lighter-vessel shortages, not internal politics.
"The allegation is baseless," he said. "The CPA has no authority to seek an administrator when the election schedule is already declared."
Sagar accused a vested-interest group within the port of trying to take control of the association to benefit from issuing new operator licences.
Another candidate, Aman Ullah Al Sagir, questioned why the port wrote to the shipping ministry when the association is registered under the commerce ministry. He said the move appears to be aimed at interfering with the election.
"A group is trying to foil the election by pushing for an administrator. It's an undemocratic move," he added.
TBS tried to reach CPA Secretary Omar Faruk by phone for comments on the allegations of the association leaders, but he did not respond.
