Chattogram Port withdraws single-bank payment rule after protests

Chattogram Port Authority has withdrawn a directive requiring port users to pay charges through Eastern Bank PLC, following protests from importers, exporters and customs clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents.

The authority introduced the new payment arrangement from 8am on Tuesday (September 22), but cancelled it within hours after users reported difficulties in clearing goods.

Business representatives said some delivery operations were disrupted from the morning until around 2pm.

Port users said many importers and exporters do not maintain accounts with Eastern Bank, making it difficult to comply with the new requirement without opening new accounts.

They also warned that delays in cargo clearance could increase costs, including demurrage.

Kazi Mahmud Imam, a former general secretary of the Chattogram Customs Agents Association, said businesses maintain accounts with different banks and it was therefore impractical to require payments through a single bank.

Previously, port users could pay charges through several banks, including Janata Bank, One Bank and NRB Bank, at the One Stop Service Centre.

Following the objections, the port authority withdrew the new circular later on Tuesday and restored the previous system allowing payments through multiple banks.

The authority said it is continuing efforts to gradually digitise and automate port operations. Its plans include fully online processing of vessel bills, generating container and consignee bills through the Terminal Operating System (TOS), and introducing round-the-clock online payments through API integration, including on holidays.

Other planned services include e-gate passes, gate-in and gate-out processing, time-slot management, cart tickets, e-gate challans and electronic vessel NOCs.

However, port users have raised concerns over existing TOS-related problems, including delays they attribute to shortages of manpower and equipment.

They said the port’s digitalisation drive should ensure payment systems remain accessible through users’ existing banking channels while improving operational efficiency.