Export cargo congestion has gripped Chattogram’s private inland container depots (ICDs) during the Eid‑ul‑Adha holidays, stranding nearly 6,000 covered vans for days and driving up transport costs for exporters.
Rows of goods‑laden vehicles, mainly carrying ready‑made garments, have been waiting three to five days outside depots as yards struggle to cope with mounting pressure.
According to the exporters, the crisis has severely stressed the supply chain at a time when factories rushed advance shipments before the long Eid break.
Transport fares have more than doubled within a week. Operators said trips that usually cost Tk18,000–20,000 are now demanding Tk40,000–45,000.
Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) said the 21 private ICDs normally hold about 8,000 TEUs of export containers, but volumes have surged to nearly 15,000 TEUs. With space scarce, thousands of trucks remain stranded on surrounding roads.
Officials said around 10,000 covered vans usually transport cargo daily between ICDs, Khatunganj, factories and Chattogram Port. Nearly half are now stuck, creating a serious shortage of transport capacity across the chain.
BGMEA Director Sakeef Ahmed Salam said factories dispatched both pre‑Eid and post‑Eid shipments in advance, intensifying pressure. He cited manpower shortages, vessel delays and port congestion as factors worsening the situation.
“Every year factories send cargo to depots before Eid to avoid shipment disruptions, but this time unloading and handling are taking longer, leaving vans stuck for days,” he said.
BICDA leaders argued the crisis escalated because exporters rushed cargo simultaneously before Eid, instead of in phases. “If exporters had sent goods gradually, such a situation could have been avoided,” an official wishing not to be named said.
The gridlock has also created hardship for transport workers. Chowdhury Zafar Ahmed of the Covered Van Truck Owners Association said drivers and helpers have been stuck for days in “inhumane conditions,” spending nights on highways and ring roads while waiting for unloading permission. Many have missed Eid with families.
Transport operators alleged that imported goods were not removed from depots on time and yards were being used as warehouses, worsening congestion for export cargo vehicles.
Despite the seven‑day public holiday that began on 25 May, Chattogram Port, Custom House and ICDs are operating on a limited scale. Customs spokesperson Sharif Al Amin said unloading and shipments continue with necessary manpower.
The Chittagong Port Authority has formed three task forces to supervise cargo unloading, container movement and port security. As of 25 May, 79 vessels were positioned at outer anchorage and jetties, including 16 container and bulk carriers at the main berths.
Industry insiders warn the crisis has pushed the export supply chain into severe stress, raising fears of shipment disruption. With covered vans stranded, fares soaring and workers suffering, the congestion has exposed vulnerabilities in the country’s logistics system during peak holiday periods.
