UNB, Bagerhat :
Mongla Port users have already incurred a loss of Tk 100 crore over delays in unloading shipments caused by the countrywide indefinite transport blockade enforced by the BNP-led 20-party alliance, according to traders and Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) agents at the port.
As trucks and other vehicles are not carrying goods due to the blockade, it has led to the excessive delay in the process of unloading and releasing of the consignments from the port, they noted.
Mongla Customs C&F Agents Association president M Sultan Hossain told UNB on Thursday that the impact of the stagnant situation in the overall transport sector across the country has also affected the shipping and the port sectors.
“At least 500 businesses that are currently using the port have counted a loss of Tk 32 crore over the last 17 days,” said Sultan.
Besides, every ship is counting a fine of US$ 10,000 for each day of additional stay at the port, while for each day of delay in releasing a container, they are counting a fine of US$ 100, he added.
“In total, the losses already incurred amid the blockade will amount no less than Tk 100 crore,” Sultan estimated.
On the other hand, cargo vessel owners are also counting huge losses as the vessels that have already been loaded with goods after the release from mother vessels also remain idle.
General secretary of Khulna Divisional Inland Water Transport Owners Group Wahiduzzaman Khan Poltu said the cargo vessel owners had to count a loss ot about Tk 20 crore as some 300 vessels cannot leave Mongla Port for other inland river ports.
President of Bagerhat Chamber of Commerce and Industry Shajan Minan said businessmen are counting losses every day due to the blockade.
He demanded the law enforcement agencies give necessary protection to ensure the safe transport of goods and commodities amid the blockade.
Mongla Port Authority chairman Rear Admiral Riaz Uddin Ahmed, however, claimed that all activities at the port, including loading and unloading, are normal. “Businesspeople are facing losses as they cannot transport goods because of the blockade,” he said.
At present, eight vessels carrying fertilizer, wheat and clinker are waiting at the port, he informed.
Contacted, superintendent of police of the district M Nizamul Haq Mollah said police are ready to give security to the businessmen.
Mongla Port users have already incurred a loss of Tk 100 crore over delays in unloading shipments caused by the countrywide indefinite transport blockade enforced by the BNP-led 20-party alliance, according to traders and Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) agents at the port.
As trucks and other vehicles are not carrying goods due to the blockade, it has led to the excessive delay in the process of unloading and releasing of the consignments from the port, they noted.
Mongla Customs C&F Agents Association president M Sultan Hossain told UNB on Thursday that the impact of the stagnant situation in the overall transport sector across the country has also affected the shipping and the port sectors.
“At least 500 businesses that are currently using the port have counted a loss of Tk 32 crore over the last 17 days,” said Sultan.
Besides, every ship is counting a fine of US$ 10,000 for each day of additional stay at the port, while for each day of delay in releasing a container, they are counting a fine of US$ 100, he added.
“In total, the losses already incurred amid the blockade will amount no less than Tk 100 crore,” Sultan estimated.
On the other hand, cargo vessel owners are also counting huge losses as the vessels that have already been loaded with goods after the release from mother vessels also remain idle.
General secretary of Khulna Divisional Inland Water Transport Owners Group Wahiduzzaman Khan Poltu said the cargo vessel owners had to count a loss ot about Tk 20 crore as some 300 vessels cannot leave Mongla Port for other inland river ports.
President of Bagerhat Chamber of Commerce and Industry Shajan Minan said businessmen are counting losses every day due to the blockade.
He demanded the law enforcement agencies give necessary protection to ensure the safe transport of goods and commodities amid the blockade.
Mongla Port Authority chairman Rear Admiral Riaz Uddin Ahmed, however, claimed that all activities at the port, including loading and unloading, are normal. “Businesspeople are facing losses as they cannot transport goods because of the blockade,” he said.
At present, eight vessels carrying fertilizer, wheat and clinker are waiting at the port, he informed.
Contacted, superintendent of police of the district M Nizamul Haq Mollah said police are ready to give security to the businessmen.
