The government will not take any decision that goes against the national interest in managing the country’s ports, Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain said on Monday.
“The ministry supports whatever is good and beneficial for the port and the country,” he said while speaking to journalists during a discussion at the Ministry of Shipping in the afternoon.
Referring to the ongoing situation at Chittagong Port, the adviser said those involved in creating the situation are being investigated. “Due to the current situation, port activities have been disrupted, and the Chittagong Port Authority is working to resolve the issue,” he said.
Calling on all concerned to keep the port operational in the greater national interest, he said the people of the country are suffering because of the disruptions.
He reiterated that the current government would not implement any decision that goes against the country’s interests and described the situation as undesirable.
Sakhawat also alleged that some traders are hoarding goods in lighter vessels ahead of Ramadan in an attempt to raise prices.
He said mobile courts are being conducted daily by all relevant agencies, including the Department of Shipping, to curb such illegal activities.
“Strict legal action will continue to be taken against those responsible based on evidence,” he added.
