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GFMM desk: Importers could not unload the goods from the port on time due to the government's general holiday to prevent coronavirus and normal customs clearance. At the same time importers could not collect the required documents from the shipping agency.
The traders have demanded waiver of fines from the port authorities and shipping agencies. The importers have sent a letter to the Ministry of Shipping and the Chittagong Port Authority seeking waiver of the fine.
The letter, signed by Mohammad Belal, general secretary of the Chittagong Paper and Cellophane Business Group and executive member of the Bangladesh Paper Merchant Association, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had declared a public holiday in the public interest to prevent the corona virus and extended it to May 5.
At this time the imported goods of different importers reached Chittagong port. At that time, it was not possible to collect the goods at the port as there was no instruction from the National Board of Revenue (NBR). On the other hand, the customs authorities also stopped the customs.
On April 22, the NBR issued a circular ordering normal tariffs. But since March 25, many importers have not been able to unload goods from ports due to public holidays and normal tariffs by customs authorities. At the same time he could not collect the required documents from the shipping agency.
The letter said that in this situation, it does not seem reasonable to demand a fine from the port authorities. On the contrary, it will put a lot of pressure on traders. Therefore, considering the current situation, the Chittagong Port Authority and other concerned authorities are being urged to take necessary steps for waiving the fines of shipping agents and ports.
Source: Online/SZK
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