Chattogram Port Operations Resume Amid Ongoing Tensions
Operations at Chattogram Port have resumed after a two-day suspension of a continuous work stoppage, but significant challenges remain. The port authority’s recent administrative actions have led to severe container backlogs and vessel congestion. Despite the resumption of activities, uncertainty looms as protesters threaten to resume their strike unless their demands are met. The six-day protest, which began last Saturday, has jeopardized trade worth hundreds of crores of taka, with over 14,000 export containers currently stuck at various depots.
Although labor leaders announced the temporary suspension of the work stoppage on Thursday afternoon, full vessel movement faced delays due to low tide and the absence of night navigation. Ships stranded at jetties were finally removed during the morning high tide, allowing vessels waiting at the outer anchorage to dock. By Thursday evening, container deliveries from yards and the movement of boxes from private depots to the port resumed, but long queues of trucks were still evident at all terminal gates. Stakeholders have warned that the disruption could lead to increased costs and affect export schedules, straining confidence among international buyers.
Port officials have indicated that it may take several days to normalize operations following the six-day disruption. Currently, more than 38,000 TEUs of containers are stacked at port yards, including over 29,000 full container load (FCL) units. On the export side, nearly 1,000 TEUs of export-laden containers remain trapped inside the port, while over 13,000 export containers are piled up at private inland container depots.
CPA Requests Investigation Amid Worker Protests
In the wake of the fragile resumption of operations, the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has requested an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into the assets of 15 port employees involved in the recent protests. The CPA has also sought a travel ban to prevent these employees from leaving the country. This request was made in a letter signed by CPA Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim and sent to the Ministry of Shipping, with copies forwarded to the ACC and the National Intelligence Agency.
The request followed a meeting between the Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad and Shipping Adviser M Shakhawat Hossain, where the workers announced a two-day pause in their continuous work stoppage. However, the parishad coordinator, Mohammad Humayun Kabir, warned that the work stoppage would resume if the assurances made during the meeting were not implemented. The CPA’s actions have been met with disappointment from workers, who described the letter as derogatory and provocative.
In response, the Chattogram Sramik-Karmachari Oikya Parishad has threatened an indefinite work stoppage if the alleged harassment of protesting workers does not cease immediately. Leaders of the parishad have expressed their dissatisfaction with the CPA’s actions, stating that they are witnessing an escalation rather than de-escalation of tensions. They have demanded an official statement from the Ministry of Shipping to withdraw from the leasing process of the New Mooring Container Terminal and reverse punitive measures against workers.
Impact on Trade and Future Operations
As operations at Chattogram Port gradually resume, industry insiders warn of significant challenges ahead. Although fresh export boxes began arriving on Thursday evening, clearing the backlog alongside new inflows will be a daunting task. Congestion at the outer anchorage has intensified, with over 50 container vessels and more than 100 bulk carriers waiting to dock. The ongoing situation poses risks to cargo worth hundreds of crores of taka, with vessels incurring demurrage costs of approximately $20,000 per day.
Khairul Alam Sujan, a former director of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents’ Association, highlighted the potential for a larger crisis, noting that over 14,000 export containers are currently stuck at various depots. Several scheduled mother vessels have already departed without carrying Bangladesh’s allocated cargo, which could lead to limited capacity for upcoming vessels and prolonged congestion for two to two-and-a-half months.
Fazle Ekram Chowdhury, president of the Berth Operators Association, emphasized the pressure on berth operators to manage the influx of vessels and containers. He noted that while the port is operational, the system is heavily strained, requiring sustained efforts and coordination among stakeholders to stabilize the situation. Chattogram Port Director (Administration) Mohammad Omar Faruk assured that the port authority is working diligently to alleviate vessel and yard congestion as quickly as possible.
