Dhaka, Oct. 19 -- The business community, port users, exporters, importers and all others involved with the Chittagong Port operations have threatened to shut down the prime seaport, if the increased port tariffs are not withdrawn within a week.

The business leaders at a protest programme on Saturday gave the interim government the ultimatum to withdraw the recent 41% increase in tariffs at the Chittagong Port.

The port users called upon the government to cancel the increased port tariff that became effective on October 15. They demanded that the authorities reduce the rates.

President of Port Users Forum and former president of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury at the meeting said they wo...