A dynamic Chittagong port

No one can deny that under the emergency much of the indiscipline that had earlier been noticed in various important areas is being rolled back. It is in line with such assertive action that Chittagong port is once more functioning well. But an important job that must be done now is for the authorities to inquire into the basic flaws that have regularly undermined the operations of the country's premier port. Obviously, among these flaws has been the presence of a number of unions whose clear identification with politics and individual self-interest rather than a promotion of national economic activities nearly brought the port to a standstill. Along with such regressive symbols came an acute lack of good management, so much so that it is an entire administrative system that has collapsed at the port. Therefore, while the nation is cheered by the marked improvement in the activities of the port, it is important that the opportunity now opened up per courtesy of the task force constituted to look into the problems of the port be utilised to the largest extent possible. The authorities need to look beyond the emergency and leave in place a system that will in future offset any move to disrupt the activities of not only Chittagong port but of other ports as well.

There are some good ways in which the future can be made reassuring for Chittagong port. In the first place, anyone found involved in undermining the port must be identified and penalised. In the second, a clear set of guidelines or code of conduct that will leave the port free of destructive activities by individuals and groups must be put in place. And where handling cargo is concerned, efficiency demands that modern technology, in the sense of computerisation, be brought into the workings of Chittagong port. In the ultimate analysis, a proper streamlining of work at the port is now the most crucial of requirements.

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