Ctg Port, customs, container depot activities to continue during Eid holidays

The Chattogram Port and customs activities will remain operational throughout the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays to ensure an uninterrupted supply chain, including import and export operations. 

A nine-day holiday, from 28 March to 5 April, has been declared for Eid-ul-Fitr. However, relevant authorities have issued directives to maintain port and customs operations. 

Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Md Omar Faruk stated that cargo loading, container delivery, and other port operations continue every year during the Eid holidays. 

This year, the port will remain open, with a temporary suspension of activities only on Eid day for eight hours, from 8am to 4pm. 

"Delivery operations will resume in the afternoon, allowing importers to collect goods later in the day. Meanwhile, the loading and unloading of goods from ships will continue as usual," he said.

Manpower has been allocated across various departments to facilitate continuous service. 

To support these operations, officials have been advised to ensure the availability of manpower at the Janata Bank, One Bank, and other banks authorised by the Chittagong Port Authority within the port. 

Private depots and related stakeholders will also continue their activities during this period.

Additionally, the port authority has requested Sonali Bank's relevant branches and all private depots associated with Chattogram Customs House to remain operational.

Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) Secretary General Ruhul Amin Sikder said private container depots have been operating during Eid holidays for the past decade, similar to Chattogram Port. However, depot operations will be suspended only on Eid day.

He also pointed out that container deliveries typically decline before Eid and for 4-5 days afterward, leading to congestion at ports and depots—an annual occurrence.

In line with government directives, Chattogram Customs House will also maintain its operations during the holidays. 

A duty roster has been established for deputy commissioners, revenue officers, assistant revenue officers, and branch assistants to ensure the continuation of customs clearance activities. 

Furthermore, the Chattogram Customs House has instructed relevant customs units to sustain export operations within the Chittagong Export Processing Zone (EPZ).

Additionally, a ban on truck and covered van movement three days before and after Eid poses challenges for importers in collecting their goods. 

Many importers hesitate to take deliveries during the holidays due to issues such as road harassment, increased transportation costs, and logistical difficulties. However, the transportation of export goods is exempted from this restriction.