Joint Operation Launched at Outer Anchorage to Curb Artificial Shortages by Hoarding Goods at Sea

A special joint drive has been conducted by the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), the Bangladesh Navy, and the Bangladesh Coast Guard to prevent the illegal hoarding of essential commodities, particularly wheat, in vessels anchored at the port’s outer anchorage.

The operation was carried out on Wednesday (August 12) to stop ships from being used as "floating warehouses" and to eliminate artificial market supply shortages.

According to Port Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim, Chittagong Port serves as the nation's primary maritime gateway and a critical hub for international trade. Maintaining smooth port operations is vital to ensuring a steady supply of food and essential goods across the country and sustaining national economic momentum.

Under the directives of the CPA Chairman, surveillance has been intensified over ships anchored at the outer anchorage to ensure that unscrupulous syndicates cannot artificially disrupt the market supply by delaying vessel movement. Immediate legal action is being taken against any suspicious or irregular activities identified during the inspection. A strict zero-tolerance policy is being enforced to safeguard national food security and public interest.

The Port Secretary highlighted that regulations mandate ships carrying cargo to unload or transport goods to designated areas within 72 hours of leaving the port, a rule given special priority during the drive.

Surveillance has been heightened to eliminate deliberate delays, cargo retention, or artificial shortages caused by irregularities. Additionally, operators of mother vessels and lighterage ships were instructed to adhere strictly to maritime regulations and ensure timely unloading and distribution.

During the joint operation, searches were also conducted on trawlers operating in the Karnaphuli Channel and outer anchorage area.

A total of 28 individuals were detained in the presence of a magistrate for endangering vessel navigation by illegally placing fishing nets along the main navigational channel. Among them, 24 individuals were sentenced to one month of imprisonment.

Awareness leaflets were distributed among locals to prevent illegal netting, while safety instructions were broadcast over VHF Channels 12 and 16 via radar channel broadcasts to inform sailors and boat operators to keep the main shipping channel clear.

The operation involved a pilot vessel from the Chittagong Port Authority, along with one ship and two boats from the Bangladesh Navy, and one ship and two boats from the Bangladesh Coast Guard.

Inter-agency coordination, joint patrolling, and information sharing among the CPA, Navy, and Coast Guard have been strengthened to ensure channel safety. Authorities confirmed that such joint initiatives will continue in the interest of national economy, food security, and international maritime trade.