He stressed that the tariff hike would not only hurt Chattogram-based businesses but would negatively impact all traders and consumers nationwide, making the demand for withdrawal a national concern.
TBS Report
18 October, 2025, 04:00 pm
Last modified: 18 October, 2025, 06:42 pm
File photo of Chattogram port/TBS
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File photo of Chattogram port/TBS
Business leaders in Chattogram have issued a one-week ultimatum to the interim government to withdraw the recent 41% increase in tariffs at the Chattogram Port, warning they will shut down the port if the demands are not met within that timeframe.
The announcement was made at a protest rally held this afternoon (18 October) at the Navy Convention Centre in Chattogram. Alongside the ultimatum, C&F (Clearing and Forwarding) agent employees declared they will observe a symbolic four-hour work stoppage daily starting tomorrow (19 October).
Former Chittagong Chamber president Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury delivered the final warning, “We gave a memorandum to the chief adviser on 14 October. His office informed us that he could not focus on our demands due to his preoccupation with the July Charter,” he said.
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“The July Charter has now been signed. We hope he will focus on this issue now,” said Amir Humayun, who is also chairman of the rally.
He stressed that the tariff hike would not only hurt Chattogram-based businesses but would negatively impact all traders and consumers nationwide, making the demand for withdrawal a national concern.
Announcing the protest schedule, he added, “Starting tomorrow, Customs agents will daily observe a four-hour symbolic work stoppage. We are giving the government one week to withdraw the increased tariff. If action is not taken within then, the Chattogram Port will be shut down.”
Mohammed Amirul Haque, former Chittagong Chamber director and an organiser of the rally, acknowledged that some port tariffs may need adjustments but criticised the arbitrary nature of the hike.
“Some tariffs need to be increased, but that does not mean you can raise them however you like. Let us sit and discuss. Let’s decide how much is necessary through negotiations,” he urged.
He specifically objected to the 300% hike in the gate pass fee for heavy transport, questioning the logic, “Why should a driver have to pay money just to take a vehicle and clear goods from the port? Can this happen in any civilised country?”
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