14,000 containers waiting to be loaded onto ships

A two-day "shutdown" by customs officials and employees has led to a backlog of 14,371 export containers across 19 private depots.

These containers, destined for Europe and America via Chittagong Port, were delayed due to the suspension of customs clearance on Saturday and Sunday. This caused a traffic jam of 3,600 trucks and caravan vans around the depot and port areas.

On Sunday, exporters were unable to load 3,680 single export containers, and three ships scheduled to depart with these containers remained at the port.

On Monday, exporters resumed loading operations after the containers sat idle for a full day. Five ships, including the three delayed from Sunday, are now scheduled to depart the port at 12 noon today.

Following the government's firm response, customs officials began clearing export containers last night, and import activities have returned to normal today.

Traders warn that, even if the shutdown ends, it will take at least an additional week to clear the congestion. If shipping authorities do not extend waiting times, exporters risk significant financial losses.