C T Online Desk: State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said that the businessmen and business organizations of Bangladesh have met the Prime Minister directives during the quota movement . We have heard and seen businessmen boldly assuring the Prime Minister that they have the ability to overcome this present shock.
We have confidence in traders. It is because of their activities that the economy of Bangladesh has become so dynamic and expanded today.
An attempt was made to paralyze the economy of Bangladesh, an attempt was made to destroy it. I think that conspiracy will not succeed. Our economy will remain dynamic. No one can pull away from our goal of a developed Bangladesh of 2041.
He said this in response to questions from reporters after distributing food items to workers working at Chittagong port on Thursday (July 25).
He said, Chittagong was very safe by the grace of Allah . Normal operations were conducted at Chittagong port. I thank the people of Chittagong for this. They are now performing the duty of protecting all the big buildings of Chittagong. Due to the timely right decision of Prime Minister we are saved, relief has returned to us. Not to mention the media, but you have highlighted the news of Chittagong Port in the media every moment. People are in fear, including traders who work in the economic sector – whether the activities are being conducted properly at the Chittagong port. You have constantly reported that container cargo is being lifted. You have constantly informed the countrymen about the happiness of the economy. We are assured that the lifeline of our economy is still intact, absolutely safe. It was very relaxing for us. But due to the incident that happened we could not transport goods inland.
But our digital platform was closed due to burning of digital server station, data center. Due to customs not being able to carry out their activities, there is a container jam at Chittagong port. Because they work completely digitally. However, after much pains and toil, some activities were started manually. Every day where 7-8 thousand containers are being handled and discharged from ships at the port. It was not possible to solve this problem. Due to this, there has been a huge loss in the overall economy. Our garment industry and other industries have slowed down and closed in many cases. It is a big blow to the economy of Bangladesh. I don’t know how to overcome this shock.
Regarding the collection of port demurrage on containers, the state minister said that many containers could not be released by the importer due to the situation. They are facing a charge. You know that Chittagong Port gave a waiver of more than Tk 500 crore during Corona. Chittagong port will definitely consider it if businessmen present it to us
Regarding the ongoing project, that in 2024-25, we will work on the Bay Terminal of Chittagong Port. This is the reality, minister said
