Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has taken a move to keep its offices open during the long vacation on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr with a view to facilitating the country's external trade.

The CPA issued a circular signed by its director (traffic) in this connection Sunday.

Director (Traffic) of the CPA Md Sarwar said: "Our officials will remain present in the offices during the vacation to facilitate export-import trade."

Bangladesh's export, which is now buoyant following a boost by ready-made garments and jute goods, faces troubles when port operations are halted on many grounds.

Mr Sarwar said port officials will remain present at every strategic point during the holidays.

"We expect that no shipment will be cancelled despite a long break in public offices," he added.

Mr Sarwar also said: "This special arrangement will be continued as long as all offices re-open."

The government offices will remain closed until September 4 (Sunday) from August 30.

The CPA has also urged the four commercial banks located on the port premises to keep their branches open during the Eid holidays.

There are branches of Sonali Bank, Janata Bank, BRAC Bank and One Bank on the port premises to serve the external trade.

Port officials said they have also requested private depots for smooth shipment during the five-day-long vacation.

Customs offices at Chittagong are yet to take decision in this connection. But sources hinted that customs will also take a similar decision shortly.

"We are yet to take decision in this connection, but we will also take special arrangement for the sake of the delivery and shipment of goods," said Moazzem Hossain, a senior customs official.

Meanwhile the leading trade bodies - Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) - hailed the decision of the port authority.

BGMEA President Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin said: "We hail the move and think that this will ensure uninterrupted shipment."

Echoing the BGMEA chief, BKMEA President Salim Osman said: "We want round-the-clock services at the port during the period."

He said in such cases officials leave their offices much earlier adding: "We want fully uninterrupted services."

Source :The Financial Express