Govt won’t compromise national interest in managing ports: Shipping adviser

Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain today said in managing the country’s ports, the government will not take any decision that goes against the national interest.

“The ministry supports whatever is good and beneficial for the port and the country,” he told reporters this afternoon during a discussion at the shipping ministry.

Referring to the ongoing situation at Chittagong Port, the adviser said those involved in creating the situation are being investigated. “Due to the current situation, port activities have been disrupted, and the Chittagong Port Authority is working to resolve the issue.”

Describing the situation as undesirable and calling on all concerned to keep the port operational, he said the people of the country are suffering because of the disruptions.

Sakhawat also alleged that some traders are hoarding goods in lighter vessels ahead of Ramadan in an attempt to raise prices.

He said mobile courts are being conducted daily by all relevant agencies, including the Department of Shipping, to curb such illegal activities. “Strict legal action will continue to be taken against those responsible.”