Cargo vessel owners hold human chain demanding demurrage payments
MM Rahmatullah: Owners of general cargo vessels on Saturday formed a human chain in front of the National Press Club, demanding the immediate payment of outstanding demurrage charges in accordance with contractual agreements and the full implementation of the government's Shipping Policy-2024 to protect the country's inland shipping sector.The demonstration was organized by a platform of affected cargo vessel owners, who alleged that they have been suffering significant financial losses due to delays in cargo unloading and the non-payment of demurrage fees.Speaking at the programme, representatives of the vessel owners said the cargo shipping industry—one of the key contributors to the national economy—is currently facing a severe crisis. They stressed that effective implementation of existing policies and ensuring the legitimate dues of vessel owners are essential for the industry's survival.Md. Zubayer Rahman Mia, Mehedi Hasan, Rezaul Haque Liton, Mahmudul Hasan Niyon, Sujan Alam, Abrar Ahmed, Matiur Rahman Maruf, Ariful Hasan and Saik Sabbir were addressed in the gathering among others. The speakers alleged that a syndicate operating within the cargo shipping sector has been exploiting loopholes in regulations and siphoning off hundreds of crores of taka, depriving ordinary vessel owners of their rightful earnings.They further claimed that various irregularities by cargo agents often delay the unloading of goods from vessels. In many cases, cargo remains stored onboard while vessels stay anchored in rivers for periods ranging from 15 days to three months.As a result, vessel owners are incurring losses worth hundreds of thousands of taka every month, they said, urging the government to intervene immediately and resolve the issue.The speakers maintained that ensuring demurrage payments in line with contractual agreements would significantly reduce the financial burden on vessel owners and help restore stability in the sector.Hundreds of cargo vessel owners from different parts of the country participated in the human chain programme.
