Celebrating the founding anniversary of Chattogram Port, the golden gate of prosperity of the country, the 134th Port Day was celebrated casually due to the epidemic Corona virus on Sunday
According to sources, the Port Commissioners Act was enacted by the British government in 1887. It came into force on 25 April 1888.
From then on, Chattogram port started its official journey. Therefore, every year on 25th April Port Day is celebrated with colorful arrangements including hosts, discussions and processions. However, this time only the flag was hoisted on the occasion.
Port users say that the importance of Chattogram port is recognized worldwide considering its geo-political location.
About 92 percent of Bangladesh's import-export trade with the outside world and 98 percent of container shipment are done through this port.
In the early days of British rule, English and local traders built wooden jetties on the Karnafuli river at their own expense in exchange for an annual salami.
Later in 1860 the first two temporary jetties were built. In 1877 Chattogram Port Commissioner was formed. In 1888, two mooring jetties were constructed at port.
The Chattogram Port Commissioner came into effect on 25 April 1888. Between 1899 and 1910, Chittagong Port Commissioner and Assam Bengal Railway jointly constructed four permanent jetties. In 1910, the railway was connected to the Chattogram Port.
Chattogram port was declared a major port in 1926. During the Pakistan period in July 1960, the Chattogram Port Commissioner was transferred to the Chattogram Port Trust. During the Bangladesh period, the Chittagong Port Trust was transformed into the Chattogram Port Authority in September 1976.
ChattogramPort has handled more than 28 lakh containers in 2020 despite the global crisis. In 2009, for the first time, Chittagong Port gained its recognition with the 98th position in the list of 100 container ports. In just 11 years, 40 steps ahead, in 2020, the port of Chattogram rose to 58th position.
This achievement of Chattogram Port is a reflection of the ongoing economic development of the present government, said MahbubulAlam, President of Chattogram Chamber.
The importance of Chattogram Port in the national economy is immense and Chattogram Port is playing an important role in the implementation of Vision 2021 and Vision 2041 announced by the Prime Minister. The port authorities are determined to implement various short-medium and long-term projects undertaken by CPA's on the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
In addition, various development projects including construction of Bay Terminal, Patenga Container Terminal, Matarbari Port and New Mooring Overflow Yard are underway to modernize the port, add equipment and expand to meet the new challenges. In the meantime, 52 acres of important land of the port has been cleared in Laldia Char area of Patenga. Various plans are being taken to increase the port facilities in the area.
The number of ships arriving at Chattogram port in March 2020 was 366, container handling 2 lakh 49 thousand 669 TEUs, cargo handling 102 lakh 64 thousand 402 metric tons. In March 2021, the number of ships was 36, container handling 2 lakh 69 thousand 446 TEUs, cargo handling 110 lakh 42 thousand 818 metric tons. Growth in container and cargo handling is about 7.8 percent and ship handling 2.7 percent.
Although many ports in the developed world were completely shut down due to Covid-19, Chattogram port was open 24/7. Chattogram Port returned to normal in a very short time from almost zero delivery during the first wave of Kovid. Last year’s experience helped Covid-19 cope with the second wave and keep port operations normal.
The global situation of coronavirus infection at present, Chattogram Port has been operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the interest of keeping the country's supply chain running smoothly.
The port has had a lot of success in the last one year. These include zero piracy outside the port, six steps ahead in the Lloyd list from 64 to 58, and the introduction of cargo transit from the Indian port of Kolkata to the eastern Indian state on an experimental basis. This has brightened the image of the country and Chattogram port in the outside world.
On the occasion of Port Day, Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) Chairman Rear Admiral M Shahjahan said that all the officers and employees of the port, berth operators, terminal operators, ship handling operators, C&F agents, freight forwarders, BKDA, shipping agents, workers and port operators. Congratulations on the overall cooperation in management.
