The campaign “Say No to Corruption in the Maritime Sector” was launched on October 28 in Bangladesh, which marked a significant initiative aimed at enhancing integrity and transparency within the nation’s maritime industry. Organized by MACN Bangladesh, the event attracted over 100 attendees, including notable figures such as the Commissioner of Customs House in Chattogram and the Managing Director of the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation, both of whom reaffirmed their commitment to combatting corruption in maritime operations.
Commodore Syed Ariful Islam, the Project Lead of MACN Bangladesh, set the tone for the event by providing an overview of MACN’s initiatives in the country. He was followed by Mathias Bak, who shared global insights on MACN’s efforts, highlighting key statistics and achievements that underscore the organization’s impact.
Several senior industry representatives contributed to discussions on promoting integrity within the maritime sector. Notable speakers included Tafsir, an Additional Commissioner of Customs; Jalal Gazi from the Mercantile Marine Office; and various leaders from the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation and Chattogram Port Authority. A significant focus was placed on the ongoing issue of “NOC charges,” which Tanjil Ahmed Ruhullah, President of YoungShip Bangladesh, examined in his presentation titled “From Facilitation Payments to Fair Trade: The Role of Ship Agents.” He highlighted how these charges, often demanded without legal justification, have been a long-standing challenge in the industry.
In response to the issues raised, the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association (BSAA), led by Chairman Syed Mohammad Arif, issued a circular on October 15 of the previous year. This circular established clear and transparent procedures for issuing NOCs between Owner Agents and Declaring Agents, mandating prompt processing upon the provision of appropriate documentation. It also empowered Owner Protecting Agents to perform services as appointed by shipowners and emphasized the importance of coordination among Declaring Agents to prevent delays and unauthorized charges.
A collaborative effort has led to the formation of a joint committee tasked with monitoring NOC procedures to minimize misuse, marking a pivotal stride towards fairness and integrity in Chattogram Port operations. Tanjil Ahmed Ruhullah expressed the sentiment that by declining facilitation payments, ship agents not only enhance the efficiency of the ports but also contribute positively to the national image in global trade.
The launch of this campaign and the subsequent policy actions signal Bangladesh’s determination to lead the way in maritime governance, highlighting its transition from facilitation payments toward fair trade practices. The collective efforts showcased during the event underline a growing commitment among stakeholders to uphold integrity and foster a transparent maritime environment in Bangladesh.
