The High Court has issued a rule asking the government to explain why the recently revised tariff schedule of Chattogram port should not be declared illegal.
The HC bench of Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque and Justice Aynun Nahar Siddiqua passed the order yesterday (October 21) following a writ petition filed by the Bangladesh Container Shipping Association (BCSA), challenging the legality of the tariff revision.
The secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) and other authorities concerned have been made respondents in the rule.
The High Court issued a rule asking the respondents to show cause as to why the Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO), dated September 14, regarding the new port tariff schedule and the subsequent CPA circular dated September 30, 2025, should not be declared to have been made without lawful authority and to be of no legal effect.
The court also directed the senior secretary to the shipping ministry and the chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority to dispose of a letter sent by BCSA on October 15 within 15 days of receiving the court notice.
The order comes amid widespread debate among port users and shipping operators over the recent hike in port tariffs -- the first in four decades -- which many stakeholders say would increase operational costs and hurt Bangladesh's trade competitiveness.
Barrister Mohammed Forrukh Rahman appeared for the writ petitioner during its hearing.