Chattogram Port will continue its operational activities under special arrangements during the government-declared holidays for the 13th National Parliament elections and referendum.
While the Chattogram Custom House will remain open on roster duty to facilitate import-export trade, 21 private inland container depots (ICDs) in Chattogram will suspend operations for 32 hours during the election period.
Chattogram Port Authority Spokesperson and Director (Administration) Md Omar Faruk told The TIMES of Bangladesh that all operational activities, including the loading and unloading of goods, would proceed under special arrangements during the holidays.
He noted that importers will be able to take delivery of goods from the port, and export shipments will continue without interruption.
According to an office order issued on 9 February by Director (Traffic) Enamul Karim, a public holiday will be observed at all operational workplaces under the Traffic Department of the Chittagong Port Authority from 8am on 11 February (Wednesday) to 8am on 13 February (Friday).
This directive applies to all units under the Traffic Department, including Pangaon ICT and the ICD in Dhaka.
The order clarifies that work on ships and lighter vessels can continue during this period through special arrangements with prior approval from the Customs Department and the Port Authority, though additional charges will apply.
To maintain smooth operations, adequate manpower will be kept ready in the Traffic Department units. Those handling food items, relief goods, and other essential commercial cargo have been instructed to inform the Director (Traffic) or the designated official in advance.
Banks operating inside the port premises – including Janata Bank and One Bank—as well as Sonali Bank at the Custom House and relevant private depots, have been requested to deploy sufficient staff.
Customs on roster duty
To prevent trade disruptions, the Chattogram Custom House, the country’s largest customs station, will remain operational. A special roster has been prepared for 12 February – the day of voting – and the public holidays immediately before and after.
Assistant Commissioner and spokesperson of Chattogram Custom House, Sharif Al Amin, stated that roster duties have been assigned to officers and staff to ensure essential customs activities continue normally.
In contrast, operations at 21 private ICDs in Chattogram will remain suspended for 32 hours, from 12am on 11 February to 8am on 13 February.
During this window, no export-laden containers will be sent from the depots to the port, and no import cargo or empty containers will be moved from the port to the ICDs.
BICDA Secretary General Ruhul Amin Sikder told The Times of Bangladesh that depot activities would resume in full swing after 8:00am on 13 February.
Freight charges soar
Meanwhile, a transport crisis has led to a sharp spike in freight charges, with rates on several routes from the port nearly doubling.
The fare for a covered van transporting goods from Chattogram Port to Dhaka, previously between Tk 16,000 and Tk 18,000, has risen to between Tk35,000 and Tk40,000.
The surge is attributed to a shortage of vehicles following a recent port strike and the departure of many drivers and helpers to their hometowns for the elections.
Joynul Abedin, former legal affairs secretary of the Chattogram C&F Agents Association, described the situation as critical, noting that he could not secure vehicles even after offering Tk35,000 per trip.
Chowdhury Zafar Ahmad, secretary general of the Bangladesh Truck-Covered Van and Prime Mover Owner Association, told The Times of Bangladesh that the four-day government holiday has created a situation similar to an Eid vacation.
Consequently, most transport workers have returned to their home areas, leaving the few available vehicles to charge freight rates at their own discretion.
