Impasse over the increase in gate pass fees for goods vehicles in the new tariff schedule has been temporarily resolved.

Port Secretary Md. Omar Faruk informed the media about this decision after the port authority held discussions with transport workers and owner representatives on Sunday (October 19) afternoon.

He said that the delivery of imported goods was stopped as trucks, covered vans, lorries, and trailers were closed at the Chittagong port since yesterday. A very serious discussion was held with the workers and owners under the chairmanship of the port chairman. The port administration cannot immediately correct or stop this gazette issued with government approval. Still, considering the issue of transport workers, since this issue is related to the country’s import and export, this activity should be started quickly, so all the port members including the chairman have decided that only the tariff that has been increased in the vehicle sector will be suspended until further decision.

CPA secretary said that we will take a decision at the CPA board and send a proposal to the ministry. Once the proposal is approved, you will know what decision has been made. For now, it will be suspended. The workers and owner representatives present have assured that they will return to work. About 6,000 trucks and covered vans are waiting outside. All ports will be engaged in delivery or export work.

Regarding the written notification, he said that there is an official process of sending letters. Those concerned may get the minutes of the meeting. The entire jurisdiction is of the government. Since the port’s delivery, import and export are directly related to trucks, lorries, and covered vans, recommendations will be sent for government decisions.

Regarding the strike of C&F agents and employees demanding the suspension of the new tariff schedule of the port and the warning of the Port User Forum, he said that a meeting was held today regarding trucks, covered vans, lorries, and prime movers.

Social Welfare Secretary of the Inter-District Truck and Covered Van Owners Association and Port Affairs Secretary of the Divisional Goods Transport Federation Md. Shamsuzzaman Sumon said, the port chairman will suspend the increased fee for goods vehicles under the new tariff schedule. The chairman said, for now we will not have to pay 230 taka. We can get the pass for the fee of 57 taka 50 paisa as before. If we get the goods vehicle pass for 57 taka 50 paisa, then our vehicles will transport the goods of the port. Every day, 8-9 thousand of our goods trucks and covered vans ply at the port.

Another transport worker leader said, after a long discussion, the port chairman has announced the suspension of the increased gate pass fee for goods vehicles. We will withdraw the strike if we receive the written paper of suspension. Since he had informed us about the effect of this in writing, we will take necessary action if we are also informed about the suspension in writing.

A deadlock has arisen over the increase in gate pass fee for goods vehicles under the new tariff schedule at the country’s main seaports. Prime movers and trailer owners have not been driving their vehicles since the night of 14 October . The Inter-District Truck Owners Association has announced a program with the same demand. C&F agents are observing a four-hour strike, resulting in a kind of deadlock in the operations of Chittagong Port.