Dhaka, Oct. 6 -- Vessel operators using Chittagong seaport have once again urged the government and the port authority to reconsider the newly announced tariff schedule, calling the proposed rate hike "unprecedented" and "commercially unsustainable".

They requested that the increase be limited to between 10 and 15 per cent and implemented in phases, with at least six to 12 months' notice to allow the global shipping community time to adjust their commercial arrangements.

The Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association (BSAA) made the plea in a letter sent on Sunday to the senior secretary of the Ministry of Shipping and the chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), just ten days before the new tariff is due to take effect on 15 Octobe...