Trailer strike paralyzes container movement at Ctg port

Container movement at Chattogram Port came to a standstill after trailer owners suspended operations protesting an increase in vehicle entry fees.

The port authority recently raised the entry fee for heavy vehicles from Tk 57 to Tk 230, effective October 15.

Following the hike, privately owned trailers stopped transporting containers from the port, though off-dock trailers continue to operate normally.

“This is not a strike. Operations have been temporarily suspended as we await clarification on who will bear the additional cost — the owners or the workers,” said Mohammad Hossain, general secretary of the Chattogram Prime Mover and Flatbed Owners Association.

He added that discussions were held with port officials and a follow-up meeting will take place after the port chairman returns from Dhaka.

BICDA Secretary General Ruhul Amin Sikder said the halt in prime mover operations has started affecting container movement in several off-dock areas as well.