Ahead of the upcoming Eid, private container depots (ICDs) in Chattogram are experiencing severe congestion as ready-made garment exporters rush to send their products in advance. As of the morning of 19 May, the number of export containers at the depots had increased by nearly 34.28 per cent compared to normal levels.
According to Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) data, the 21 private ICDs in Chattogram typically handle around 8,000 TEUs of export containers during regular periods. However, exporters have accelerated shipments ahead of factory closures for Eid, creating a significant buildup.
At 8:00am on 19 May, the depots held 10,742 TEUs of export containers — 2,742 TEUs higher than usual, marking a 34.28 per cent rise. Container pressure has been increasing steadily since early May. On 2 May, volumes were 8,097 TEUs. Within six days, the figure jumped to 9,879 TEUs on 8 May. On 18 May, 9,781 TEUs were recorded before reaching the current peak.
ICD operators said seasonal pressure before Eid is common due to increased garment exports, but this year congestion is sharper as exporters started sending goods earlier to avoid disruption during the holidays. BICDA Secretary General Ruhul Amin Sikder told TIMES of Bangladesh that export container volumes are rising daily and could exceed 12,000 TEUs before Eid.
In addition, depots were holding 9,149 TEUs of import cargo and 52,129 TEUs of empty containers as of 19 May. Under normal conditions, around 2,000–2,500 TEUs of export cargo are transported daily from ICDs to Chattogram Port, while 3,000–3,200 trucks typically enter the depots each day. The Eid rush has sharply increased vehicle movement.
During the 24 hours leading up to 8:00am on 19 May, 2,175 TEUs of export containers were sent from depots to the port. Meanwhile, 4,282 trucks and covered vans carrying export goods entered various depots — over 1,000 vehicles above the usual daily average. The added pressure has pushed depot parking beyond capacity, forcing trucks and vans to queue along Patenga Outer Ring Road and Airport Road. Drivers often remain stranded for three to four days before unloading.
Chowdhury Zafar Ahmed, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Covered Van, Truck, Prime Mover Goods Transport Owners Association, said long queues before Eid are recurring and create security risks, including theft, fuel siphoning, and robbery.
BGMEA Director Rakibul Alam Chowdhury said sending shipments early is a predictable seasonal trend. “We need coordinated efforts from ports, shipping lines, and all stakeholders to avoid operational disruptions during peak export periods,” he said.
Private ICDs play a critical role in Chattogram Port operations, easing container congestion and facilitating import and export flows. Export goods from across the country are transported to depots, stuffed into containers, cleared by customs, and sent to the port for vessel loading. All containerized export cargo through Chattogram Port is processed via private ICDs.
Depots also handle 66 categories of imported goods, representing 20–25 per cent of port imports, alongside empty container storage. ICD operators said early shipment and careful planning are essential to avoid disruption during the festival. With export orders peaking, daily operations remain under pressure, highlighting the urgent need for modernized capacity and logistics planning ahead of recurring Eid surges.
