Bangladesh’s shipowners are facing a severe financial crisis as a powerful syndicate of five cargo agents in Chattogram Port continues to dominate the country’s inland water transport system. Despite operating under government transport regulations, shipowners allege they have not received payment for cargo services, leaving many vessels stranded and forcing owners to halt operations. During an emergency meeting held at the Officers’ Club in Dhaka on October 29, organized by the Bangladesh Cargo Vessel Owners Association (BCVOA), participants demanded immediate action against the syndicate. Presided over by association president Saeed Ahmed, the meeting was attended by former Coastal Ship Owners Association chairman Gazi Belayet Hossain (Mithu) and BCVOA general secretary Engineer Mehbub Kabir. Speakers alleged that a handful of agents have monopolized cargo transport, turning ships into “floating warehouses” for months and creating artificial crises that raise market prices while depriving the government of revenue. They warned that if all dues are not cleared within 15 days, ships will cease operations. The owners’ four-point demand includes full payment within seven days, strict enforcement of transport policies, legal action against the syndicate, and equal rights for all shipowners.