Four trade bodies including FBCCI have urged the government to reconsider its decision on cancellation of operation of a private inland container depot (ICD) at Chittagong Port on the plea to avert any further congestions at the country’s prime sea port.

In separate letters to the Chittagong Custom House, FBCCI (Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry), BKMEA (Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association), BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association) and BSAA (Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association) suggested that the government should allow continuation of business activities of the Port Link Logistic Centre, a leading ICD that handles export items, especially RMG (ready made garment) products, worth over $4billion per annum through the port.

The trade organisations said if the private ICD complies with environmental standards, it should not be barred from discharging its normal operation. The Chittagong Custom House in a recent directive to the Port Link authority asked it to stop its activities or shift the company to another location, blaming it for noise pollution in the port city’s Vatiary area. The company that started its operation from this area in November 2003 has been involved in handling of export and import items.

It handled 11.5 percent of the local exportable goods in 2004, 12.6percent in 2005, 13 percent in 2006 and 15 percent in 2007. The FBCCI said on perusal of rules, the company concerned was given a go-ahead by both the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) and Chittagong Customs House. The apex trade body in its letter also pointed to the Port Link’s significant contribution to the country’s export sector.

Referring to a study conducted by a private firm, the FBCCI said the Port Link’s alleged noise pollution remains to a tolerable level. “The government should permit the company to continue its operation,” Mir Nasir Hossain, president of FBCCI, said while talking to The Daily Star, also drawing the government’s attention to the huge amount the company has already invested.

Considering the company’s contribution, the BKMEA urged the government to find out a solution so that the company can run its activities. The congestion problems at the Chittagong Port may appear again if the suspension order on the Port Link’s operation is not withdrawn, remarked the BSAA in its letter to the Chittagong Customs House. The BSAA said the contribution of the private ICD to the export-import business should not be overlooked as it handles major export goods.

Some renowned foreign buyers like Carriefour, C&A, MGB, and Casino imported Bangladeshi goods worth around $2billion through the Port Link Logistic Centre Ltd. The company handles 4000 TEUs ( Twenty equivalent units) containers per month, whereas it has handled 1500 import containers on an average during operation after its inception. A total of eight ICDs, including the Port Link, handle 92 percent export trade, while the CPA handles only 7.3 percent.