Chtg Port back to normal cargo handling

Chittagong: The activities at the country's premier seaport Chittagong have started getting back normal following the sudden political change in the country, especially a new chief adviser's taking oath last night. Handling of cargo at the port has started in full swing, said a high official of Chittagong Port Authority.

The clearing and forwarding agents are busy releasing consignment on behalf of exporters and importers and the customs offices and banks were kept open on the weekly holiday yesterday for facilitating port operation.

The port yard was bustling with release and arrival of new containers while the cargoes were handled at all the nine jetties.

The business community is now happy that the over-congested port escaped another onslaught of blockade programme. The port has already become crammed with over 20,000 TEUs of containers and two dozen ships in the line at the outer anchorage.

Around 1,000 TEUs of container were delivered from the port yard yesterday.

Volatile political situation since October last led to stagnation in the premier port while the shipping companies suffered huge financial losses as the delivery of cargo and shipment of export goods were hampered due to the political agitation programmes including countrywide rail and road blockade.