Chittagong Chamber urges stronger security at Ctg port

The Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has urged the government to take immediate steps to strengthen security at the Chattogram Port's outer anchorage after three piracy incidents involving foreign commercial vessels were reported within the past month.

Through a letter to Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam today, CCCI President Mohammed Amirul Haque called for stronger coast guard patrols, enhanced intelligence surveillance in vulnerable areas, prompt investigations into the incidents, and exemplary punishment for those responsible.

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The chamber warned that repeated attacks could undermine the port's international reputation, increase insurance costs for shipping lines, delay vessel operations, and ultimately raise the cost of doing business in Bangladesh.

"Security lapses at the outer anchorage pose a serious risk not only to the shipping industry but also to the national economy, international trade, and Bangladesh's global image," the letter said.

The latest incident occurred at around 1 am on July 16 at Charlie Anchorage, according to port sources.

A group of about 20 thieves, arriving in five wooden boats, allegedly boarded the Sierra Leone-flagged tanker 'Tai Shuen' while it was at anchor.

The vessel had arrived at Chattogram's outer anchorage on the night of July 15 from Hong Kong and was destined for a shipbreaking yard in Sitakunda.

Mosharraf Hossain, proprietor of Benline Shipping, the vessel's local shipping agent, told The Daily Star that the attackers split into two groups after boarding the ship.

"One group prevented the crew from anchoring the vessel while the other stole equipment from the deck. Although the captain alerted the port control room immediately, the thieves had already fled before security personnel arrived," he said.

He said the ship's captain had not yet submitted a detailed report on the stolen items, and no case had been filed because the losses were not considered significant.