Dhaka, Sept 11 (bdnews24.com)—The test-run of the automated Container Terminal Management System at the Chittagong port has been deferred for a second time and it will now begin from Oct 10.
Announcing the new date at a discussion at Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) auditorium on Sunday, Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) chief commodore M Anwarul Islam said, "Initially the dry-run will be for three months."
Anwarul said, "The automated system would let us exactly know which ship will dock at which jetty, allowing increased productivity of the terminals and hence more yard space."
BGMEA president Shafiul Islam Mahiuddin suggested expanding the CTMS test-run timeline to one year with proper monitoring. He also urged the communications and shipping ministries to work together for deriving good results from the project.
Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers' and Exporters' Association (BKMEA) president A K M Selim Osman added, "If the communications ministry doesn't cooperate, the project will not be rewarding even after its implementation."
Businessman and parliamentarian of Rajshahi-6 constituency Shahriar Alam pointed out that the port's container congestion and gridlock on the highway are interlinked and recommended that Dhaka-Chittagong highway is recognised as a Key Point Installation (KPI) and renovated as soon as possible.
Speakers at the discussion welcomed the suggestion and added that to ensure the proper effectiveness of the CTMS, the Dhaka-Chittagong highway needs to be renovated, effective measures taken to clear traffic backlogs and the port's infrastructure needs to be strengthened.
They also suggested keeping the 'emergency export list' as a sole module on the CTMS.
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry president A K Azad, shipping secretary Abdul Manna Hawlader and former BGMEA president Salam Murshidi also spoke.
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