During recent ‘Pahela Baishakh’ and ‘Eid-ul-Fitr’ holidays, despite Chittagong Port remaining open for trade, container delivery operations did not meet expectations. Over 6,000 additional containers accumulated at the port within just eight days since April 9th. On Eid day, container deliveries dropped to zero, with only around 1,000 containers delivered on other days, compared to the usual rate of 4,000 to 4,500 per day.
Stakeholders express concern over the port’s operational readiness during holidays, citing importers’ reluctance to accept goods and various logistical challenges such as closed banks, customs offices, and factory warehouses, as well as restricted movement of goods-carrying vehicles.
Ruhul Amin Shikder, Secretary General of Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA), highlights the recurring issue of reduced container deliveries before and after Eid, causing congestion at ports and depots. He emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts to ensure smooth passenger travel and uninterrupted transit of commodities during Eid vacations.
Md Omar Farooq, Secretary of Chittagong Port Authority, acknowledges the failure to deliver containers on Eid day and the limited handling capacity during the holidays. He mentions the necessity of maintaining a certain unoccupied capacity at the port yard for its proper functioning.
Shafiqul Alam Jewel, Vice Chairman of Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, underscores the closure of customs operations during Eid holidays and advocates for keeping all relevant institutions operational to optimize port operations. He stresses the importance of government decisions in ensuring continuous import-export operations.
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