The ‘Chittagong Port Authority Bill-2021’ has been tabled in Parliament with a provision of a maximum of two years imprisonment and a fine of Tk 2 lacs for polluting the Chittagong port area. State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury introduced the bill in Parliament on Monday (15 November). After examining it, it was sent to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Shipping to report to Parliament within 60 days. The bill has been brought by repealing the Chittagong Port Authority Ordinance of 1976 to make new laws.
The existing law has a provision for a maximum fine of Tk 1 lac for polluting the port area. The proposed law seeks to determine that punishment is in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act. The draft law states that any violation of any provision under this Act (in which case there is no mention of punishment) carries a maximum penalty of six months and a fine of Tk 2 lacs or both. The bill states that if waste is generated due to any vessel or mechanical equipment in the port area, its owner or master, or representative must remove it.
