From Our Correspondent, CHATTOGRAM: A major disruption is looming over the country’s trade lifeline, Chattogram Port. Starting Thursday morning, nineteen private Inland Container Depots, commonly known as off-docks, are set to suspend all operations. In simple terms, no export cargo including ready-made garments will be loaded onto vessels, and no empty import containers will be released from the port.
According to depot owners, the decision was unavoidable. The last tariff revision took place in 2016. Over the past nine years, labor wages have increased, fuel prices have gone up and operational costs have risen across the board. Yet ICDs have been operating with the same old tariff structure. Owners say they have reached a point where continuing at the current rate is no longer possible.
Officials of the Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association clarified that the association itself has not called a strike. However, individual owners have informed them that they are unable to continue operations under the existing rates. As a result, the depots will remain closed from Thursday.
Economic Impact Concerns
Experts warn that this is not a routine shutdown but a red-alert situation for the national economy.
Export shipments, particularly garments, will come to a halt.
Container congestion at the port is expected to worsen dramatically.
Vessel schedules could face severe disruption.
Shipping agents expressed strong dissatisfaction, stating that such a sudden decision, without prior notice, may damage the country’s international credibility. They termed the move inconsistent with global trade practices.
Questions are now being raised about how long the crisis will continue. Will the country’s export sector remain hostage until tariff revisions are finalized? And from tomorrow morning, will one of the busiest trade channels in South Asia come to a standstill?
