Chittagong Port Authority Bill-2022 has been passed in the national Parliament. A new law has been enacted keeping the provision of jail-fine for pollution in the port area. Violation of any provision under this Act (in case of which no penalty is mentioned) carries a maximum penalty of 6 months and a fine of Tk 2 lacs or both.
State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury proposed to pass ‘Chittagong Port Authority Bill-2022’ in Parliament on Tuesday (5 April). Later it was passed by voice vote. Earlier, Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury settled the public opinion on the bill, sent it to the selection committee, and settled the amendment proposals. The Chittagong Port Authority Ordinance 1976 has been repealed and the bill has been brought anew. The national news agency BSS has given this information.
The bill was tabled in Parliament on 15 November last year. It was later examined and sent to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Shipping for a report in Parliament.
According to the bill, the collection of port rent and toll has to be scheduled with the approval of the government. Approval is not required for waiver of rent, toll, rate, fee, and taxes up to Tk 1 lac.
A fund has been set aside for the development and expansion of the port. The bill sets up a board of directors of no more than four members, headed by a chairman. The law provides for at least one board meeting every two months.
The bill states that if any waste is produced from any ships or mechanical equipment in the port area then the owner or master or representative has to remove it. If the time limit for removal is exceeded, a fee will be charged. Port authority will remove that waste. The owner will have to pay double the cost of this removal.
The bill states that if any rent, fine, fee, toll, fee, or taxes are not paid, the port authority will be able to collect the money by auctioning the goods responsible which are under its control.
Under the bill, there is a provision for trying offenses in a mobile court. No court shall take cognizance of any offense committed under this bill without the written complaint of the port authority.
The bill stipulates that if any damage is done to the dock, pier, or any installation or authority due to the negligence of a ship’s master or someone working on the ship, then compensation can be collected.
