Garment accessories, paper-cellophane traders demand cancellation of Ctg port's four-fold store rent hike

The Chattogram Garment Accessories Association and the Chattogram Paper and Cellophane Traders Group have called for the immediate withdrawal of the Chattogram Port Authority's decision to impose a four-fold increase in store rent. 

The demand was made through a press release issued today (20 May).

According to the press release, the port authority issued a notification on 20 February 2025, announcing that store rent for imported FCL (Full Container Load) containers located within the Chattogram Port and the Kamalapur Inland Container Depot (ICD) would be increased four-fold from the 8th day after the Common Landing Date (CLD). 

This policy was enforced during a time when a nine-day national holiday was observed for Eid-ul-Fitr, making it practically impossible for traders to clear their containers within the stipulated time, it said.

Traders argued that the clearance process involves multiple agencies and extensive documentation, making it unreasonable to hold importers solely responsible for delays. 

They warned that the increased charges would significantly raise the cost of consumer goods, including essential raw materials for industry, thereby undermining competitiveness in international markets and negatively impacting national exports.

To press their demands, the two organisations have announced a press conference at the Chattogram Press Club on 24 May.

Mohammad Belal, general secretary of both associations, said, "We have already submitted appeals to the advisor, senior secretary, and the chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority under the Ministry of Shipping, requesting cancellation of this unjustified rent hike. However, no effective steps have been taken yet. We strongly urge the authorities to revoke this irrational decision."

Belal also expressed support for the interim government's move to restructure the National Board of Revenue (NBR) by forming two separate departments — Revenue Policy and Revenue Management — in an effort to modernise revenue operations. 

However, he alleged that some corrupt officials within the NBR and Customs are resisting the reform by going on strike or staging lockouts, causing further delays in cargo clearance and resulting in significant losses for traders due to accumulating port demurrage charges.