From Our Correspondent, Dhaka: The High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh has accepted a writ petition filed by the Bangladesh Container Shipping Association (BCSA) challenging the Chattogram Port Authority’s (CPA) newly introduced tariff schedule. The court issued a rule questioning the legality of the controversial tariff and directed the authorities concerned to resolve BCSA’s claims within 15 days.
A division bench comprising Justice Kazi Zinat Haque and Justice Ainun Nahar Sidiqa passed the order on Tuesday. Barrister Mohammad Forrukh Rahman, Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and Head of Chambers at Rahman’s Chambers, appeared for the BCSA during the hearing.
Court’s Directives
The High Court issued a rule upon the Ministry of Shipping, the Ministry of Finance, and the Chattogram Port Authority, asking why S.R.O. No. 364-Law/2025 (the new tariff schedule) should not be declared illegal and beyond lawful authority. The court observed that the petition presented a prima facie case warranting judicial examination.
In addition, the court directed the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping and the Chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority to dispose of BCSA’s letter dated October 14, 2025, within 15 days. The letter included detailed objections and arguments urging the government to revoke and withdraw the disputed S.R.O.
Background of the Dispute
The new tariff schedule at Chattogram Port came into effect on October 15, 2025. According to BCSA, the tariff revision has resulted in an unprecedented 70 percent increase in operating costs, placing an unreasonable financial burden on the shipping industry. The association argues that such a steep hike is unjustifiable without corresponding improvements in port efficiency and service quality.
In its petition, BCSA alleged that the port authority failed to comply with mandatory procedural requirements under the Ports Act of 1908, including the statutory notice period and stakeholder consultation process. Therefore, the tariff’s implementation is claimed to be procedurally flawed and administratively invalid.
Next Legal Steps
Under the court’s directive, the Ministry of Shipping and the Chattogram Port Authority are now required to submit written responses to BCSA’s claims within two weeks. A detailed hearing will follow to determine the legality of the tariff increase.
The court, however, did not issue any interim stay order, meaning the new tariff remains in effect for now. Nonetheless, the issuance of the rule signifies that the substantial tariff hike will now undergo judicial scrutiny—an important development for the country’s maritime trade and port management policy.
About BCSA
The Bangladesh Container Shipping Association (BCSA) represents container shipping lines operating in Bangladesh through their local agents. Its members handle over 90 percent of the country’s containerized cargo.
The legal challenge over Chattogram Port’s tariff revision may set a significant precedent in shaping Bangladesh’s future maritime policy and port tariff governance.
