The Director General of Shipping Captain AKM Shafiqullah claimed the port security system was functioning in compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). There were no reasons to believe that the port was insecure, he added.

The so-called failure of the ISPS system was only a 'rumour' which originated from the disconnection of mobile phones integrated in the security system, he said.

Our reply
The Daily Star in its report did not say the ISPS was not functioning. It only said one vital part of the alarm system was not functioning after sudden disconnection of three important ISD mobile phones.

The DG admits that mobile phones are integrated in the ISPS system; on the other hand, he claims the security system's failure due to disconnection of mobile phones was a 'rumour'.

The emergency alarm system is still not functioning. The DG told The Daily Star yesterday that the alarm system would be restored as soon as possible.