10 trade bodies demand quick solution to Ctg port deadlock

The leaders of 10 major business chambers and trade bodies today, in a joint statement, demanded immediate government intervention to resolve the deadlock at the country’s premier Chattogram port, as national business activities have come to a standstill.

Goods from export and import vessels have not been loaded or unloaded for nearly a week at Chattogram port, through which more than 90 percent of the country’s trade is conducted.

The leaders held a press conference at the Gulshan office of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) in Dhaka, where they read out the joint statement.

The statement was issued by the Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF), Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), BTMA, and Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

The four other organisations are the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries, Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association, and Bangladesh Garments Accessories & Packaging Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) and Bangladesh Terry Towel & Linen Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BTTLMEA).

Expressing deep concern, the business leaders termed the current deadlock at Chattogram port a “great disaster”, as goods are not being released from either import or export vessels.

They noted that this is the first time in the country’s history that all vessels have remained at a standstill at the port. “This is not a normal strike; it is equivalent to destroying the country’s heart of business and trade by creating a deadlock at Chattogram port,” the statement said.

The economy suffers losses of several thousand crores of taka even from a single day’s deadlock at the port, they added.

The country’s import-export sector, including the garment industry—the main export earner—has been facing irrecoverable losses due to the situation.

Exportable goods cannot be shipped and imported goods cannot be released from vessels, which will make it difficult to meet strict delivery deadlines for international buyers.

The leaders warned that Bangladesh risks losing work orders if the crisis continues, as international buyers may shift to alternative sourcing countries.

They also noted that export and industrial production are already under pressure due to falling demand, geopolitical crises, and rising production costs.

In such a situation, port demurrage charges, port fees, and storage costs are increasing, directly affecting production costs. Consequently, export prices will rise, negatively impacting international trade.

Additional costs on imported goods may also affect the prices of essential commodities meant for Ramadan sales. Any delay in releasing imported goods could disrupt timely supply to consumers and raise price levels if the stalemate is not resolved quickly.