JS body calls for swift disposal of auctionable containers, vehicles at Ctg Port

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Undertakings has called for the swift disposal of auctionable containers and vehicles lying idle at Chattogram Port for a long time, stressing stronger coordination between Customs and port authorities to resolve existing complications and improve operational transparency.

The call came amid concerns over port security and management regarding that cargo-laden containers are going missing from the port.

The parliamentary committee discussed the issue at its fifth meeting held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Monday with its chairman and Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni in the chair.

The committee members and Whips Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu and Md Akhtaruzzaman Mia, along with Tahsina Rushdir Luna, Khondkar Abu Ashfak, Mohammad Kaysar Ahmed, Bishwas Jahangir Alam, Mustafizur Rahman Bhuiyan, Barrister Mohammad Najibur Rahman Momen and Mohammad Kamal Hossain, participated in the meeting.

The meeting was also attended by the comptroller general of accounts, additional comptroller general of accounts, secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, and officials from the ministry, Parliament Secretariat and the three port authorities.

According to the meeting sources, the committee discussed the security and management issue of Chattogram Port.

It emphasised the need to expedite the disposal of auctionable containers and vehicles that have remained at the port for years. It also stressed better coordination between Customs and the port authority and effective initiatives to remove existing bottlenecks.

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The committee reviewed the financial management, operational activities and audit reports of the Chattogram, Mongla and Payra port authorities. It underscored the need to improve efficiency and transparency, prevent the misuse of public funds and settle long-pending audit objections.

It also called for necessary measures to ensure accountability on the part of the authorities concerned.

The meeting further discussed the recovery of matured fixed deposits held by Chattogram Port Authority with different banks. The committee stressed protecting public money and ensuring accountability in financial management.

During a review of dredging activities, project implementation and related audit objections at Mongla and Payra ports, the committee emphasised achieving the intended outcomes of projects and ensuring the proper use of public funds.

It recommended determining responsibility and taking action in accordance with the rules if irregularities or financial losses were established in project implementation.

The committee also stressed proper planning for project execution and effective measures to settle long-standing audit objections involving the port authorities.