Export and import operations at Chattogram Port were disrupted for a second consecutive day on Sunday, as a strike protesting the proposed lease of the New Mooring Container Terminal to Dubai-based DP World slowed container clearance, creating backlogs and losses for businesses.
The Port Protection Movement Council announced an extension of the strike by another day after observing an eight-hour work stoppage from 8:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday.
The group also warned that all port activities would be brought to a halt if the government proceeds with signing an agreement with DP World.
Chattogram Port Protection Movement Council coordinator Md Humayun Kabir said no dialogue had taken place between the authorities and protesters despite two days of agitation.
“Instead of talks, the authorities are transferring leaders involved in the movement,” he said, announcing the extension of the ongoing strike.
The two-day strike, which began on 31 January, has sharply reduced container handling and delivery at the country’s principal seaport, according to data from the Chattogram Port Authority.
Port officials warned the impact could deepen if the agitation continues.
Businesspeople are increasingly concerned about the mounting backlog in container clearance at the country’s key port, which handles over 90 per cent of the nation’s trade.
“Why the unelected government is so desperate to push through major port leasing contracts, despite such resistance, is unclear to us,” said Energypac Group Managing Director Humayun Rashid, former president of the International Business Forum of Bangladesh.
He suggested leaving the decision to the upcoming elected government.
The import cargo backlog ahead of Ramadan is worrying, he said, as it could fuel inflation.
If the deadlock is prolonged, exporters will also face consequences, including extended lead times, shipment delays and even order cancellations, he added.
Container handling disrupted
The authorities said 1,750 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of import containers were delivered between 8:00am on 31 January and 8:00am on 1 February, marking a 43.57 per cent decline from the preceding 24-hour period.
Under normal conditions, daily container deliveries at the port range between 3,500 and 4,000 TEUs, while deliveries stood at 4,099 TEUs on 30 January.
On Sunday, five container vessels were berthed at the main jetty, while three remained at the outer anchorage, port officials said.
Operations at private inland container depots were also severely affected during the strike period.
From 21 depots, 2,941 TEUs of export containers were handled between 30 January and 31 January up to 8:00am, but the figure fell to 1,610 TEUs in the following 24 hours.
Import container movement from the port to depots dropped even more sharply, with 1,410 TEUs transported on 31 January, compared with only 460 TEUs the next day.
Within a single day, export container handling at depots declined by 1,331 TEUs, or 45.25 per cent, while import container movement fell by 950 TEUs, or 67.38 per cent.
Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association secretary general Ruhul Amin Sikder said the disruption is already visible across the logistics chain.
“The eight-hour work stoppage has reduced container handling by more than half,” he told TIMES of Bangladesh, warning that continued disruption would lead to cargo backlogs.
Port terminal officials said no vessel had departed without loading export containers despite the slowdown, adding that deliveries are usually lower on Fridays and Saturdays.
On Sunday afternoon, port gates appeared largely deserted, with limited cargo vehicle movement, while law enforcement presence remained high on adjoining roads amid persistent congestion outside the port area.
Govt takes tough stance
Following the 31 January strike, the CPA transferred four officials, including labour leader Humayun Kabir, to Pangaon Inland Container Terminal in Keraniganj, instructing them to join by noon on 1 February.
Sources said the officials had not reported to their new postings and continued to participate in the protest.
The CPA also formed a probe committee to assess financial losses caused by the disruption and to identify those responsible.
Separately, the Chattogram Metropolitan Police imposed a one-month ban on processions and gatherings in restricted port areas, though election-related activities were excluded.
Meanwhile, CPA sources said the process of finalising an agreement with DP World to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal is ongoing.
A senior CPA delegation met officials at the Public-Private Partnership Authority on Sunday, and the agreement could be finalised within a day or two, the sources said.
CPA spokesperson and Director (administration) Md Omar Faruk said the authority would make the information public once the process is completed.
He also claimed that port operations remained largely normal. “Claims that port work has stopped are exaggerated,” he said, urging port users not to be misled.
