The post of Member (operation) of Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) is lying vacant for about six months, affecting normal activities at the port, sources said.

The post fell vacant following retirement of Captain Zahiruddin Mahmud.

Talking to this correspondent, CPA Chairman Commodore Golam Rabbani said, "Obviously we are facing pressure of work as replacement has not yet been made in the vital post of Member (operation). But we have already sent a list of names of selected port officials to the ministry concerned for appointment of one of them in the post."

Th Member (finance) is now doing the work of Member (operation) as an additional responsibility, he mentioned.

Meanwhile, three senior port officials lobbying with government high-ups for the key post are the director (traffic), the deputy conservator and the harbour master, sources said.