Ctg port to come under 100% CCTV surveillance by next February
The port authority has taken the measure to fulfill the conditions of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) codes
The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) will install 477 more CCTV cameras by next February, aiming to ensure flawless safety by bringing the port yard under complete monitoring.
CPA Secretary MD Omar Faruk told The Business Standard, "Hundred percent security at the port will be ensured when the installation of another 477 CCTV cameras is completed by next February. This will halt theft incidents at the port yard."
The port authorities said they have taken this step to fulfill the conditions laid out in the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) codes.
Clearing and forwarding agents and importers have complained that incidents often occur at the port as the area is not fully under CCTV surveillance.
They said a gang of thieves regularly steal imported goods from containers. Other common incidents include the removal of parts from imported cars at the yard and the theft of garment raw materials.
To prevent such incidents, CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Abul Kalam Azad inaugurated the CCTV control room at the Chattogram port on September 27.
A team of representatives from International Maritime Organisation (IMO), a specialised agency of the United Nations, had visited the Chattogram port on August 25, 2019 to observe overall security.
The IMO representatives expressed their satisfaction over the security at the port and recommended that authorities concerned increase the number of cameras.
According to IMO, the ISPS code is a comprehensive set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities, developed in response to the perceived threats in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in the United States.
The system was adopted to prevent any ship or container from being deployed for terrorist activities. The ISPS code is currently being adopted in Bangladesh.
Sources at the port said work to install 208 CCTV cameras started in January this year, which was scheduled for completion in April. However, the installation of cameras was stalled as the Covid-19 pandemic delayed the import of key equipment.
Installation of these cameras was finally completed on August 31.
Previously, there were 305 CCTV cameras at the port. With the installation of 208 cameras, the total now stands at 513. Installing 477 more security cameras at the port yard will take the grand total to 990, thereby facilitating 100% surveillance, said the port authority.
CPA sources said around 7,000 trolleys, trucks, and covered vans enter the port daily. In addition, around 14,000 transport workers and clearing and forwarding agents, and 3,000 officials, workers and labourers come to the port every day for work.