Goods worth an estimated Tk80 billion remain stuck at Chattogram Port as a prolonged work stoppage has brought port operations close to a standstill, raising alarms among exporters and trade bodies.
European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham Bangladesh) has expressed serious concern over the paralysis, warning that the disruption is inflicting mounting economic losses, disrupting export schedules, and undermining global confidence in Bangladesh’s supply chain.
EuroCham said around 13,000 containers, carrying goods valued at roughly $660 million, are currently stranded at the country’s principal seaport. The congestion has made timely delivery increasingly difficult and is sharply driving up logistics and handling costs.
The chamber urged authorities to urgently restore normal port operations and resolve the dispute in the national economic interest. It also reiterated the need for port modernization to improve efficiency, reliability, and long-term competitiveness.
The standoff stems from a work stoppage by a protest committee opposing the government’s decision to lease certain port operations to DP World, which has repeatedly halted normal activities.
Chattogram Port handles over 90% of Bangladesh’s international trade and is the primary gateway for export-oriented industries. Under normal conditions, the port processes 2,000–2,500 export containers daily, highlighting the scale of disruption caused by the current impasse.
