CHITTAGONG, Nov 27: Movement of the vessels in the internal marine route of the country continues amid utter mismanagement of the Chittagong Port Authority. In the wake of this prolonged irregularity, the Chittagong Port (CP) channel has turned into a state of great threat to the port users. However, having worried about the safety of the port channel the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has undertaken different initiatives in this connection, CPA sources said. Some dilapidated lighterage vessels without approval of the concerned authority ply the marine routes having been loaded with goods worth millions of taka regularly. These vessels have neither any permission for railing nor any infrastructural fitness. Meanwhile, the CPA has realised fines from a large number of lighterage vessels on different charges and detained five vessels which are unfit for movement in the marine routes. According to concerned sources, at least 10 million tonnes of goods imported through the CP are carried by the lighterage vessels. About 500 lighterage vessels have been deployed for carrying these goods from the outer anchorage of different port channels of the country. But these lighter vessels hardly follow the rules and regulations set by the CPA during sailing in the sea. Despite having concerned government authority for monitoring the port activities, the very task of monitoring the movement of the lighterage vessels has been neglected for long. Some influential circles, including some Chittagong-based owners of the lighter vessels and their agents, have been involved in such evil activities since long, sources added.
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