Four leading business associations—BGMEA, BKMEA, BTMA and the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI)—have jointly urged the government to introduce an emergency financial and policy support package as severe flooding at Chattogram Port continues to disrupt the country’s import and export supply chains.
In a joint letter to Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam, the organizations warned that flooding of container yards and inland container depots, coupled with damaged road and rail connectivity, has delayed imports of cotton, yarn, fabrics, industrial raw materials and food products, while slowing exports of ready-made garments, home textiles, leather goods and pharmaceuticals. They cautioned that prolonged disruptions could result in export order cancellations, price reductions and increased reliance on costly air freight.
The trade bodies also expressed concern over a recent Chattogram Port Authority notice disclaiming liability for flood-damaged cargo, calling for an independent investigation to determine accountability if infrastructure or operational failures contributed to the losses.
To ease the crisis, the associations proposed a series of emergency measures, including restoration of transport links, waiver of demurrage and port charges, expedited customs clearance, concessional working capital support, extension of trade and banking deadlines, temporary tax and utility payment relief, and the creation of a dedicated rehabilitation fund for MSMEs. They also recommended establishing a high-level inter-ministerial task force and investing in climate-resilient port infrastructure to strengthen Bangladesh’s long-term trade resilience.
The joint appeal was signed by Mahmud Hasan Khan, President of BGMEA; Mohammad Hatem, President of BKMEA; Showkat Aziz Russell, President of BTMA; and Mohammad Amirul Haque, President of CCCI, with copies sent to the Finance Adviser, Commerce Adviser, Bangladesh Bank Governor and NBR Chairman seeking immediate intervention.
