Scanner breakdown disrupts cargo operations at Ctg airport
The breakdown has left Shah Amanat airport caught between mounting trade losses and rising security risks
Cargo operations at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram have been disrupted for nearly three months, as customs officials, lacking functional scanners, are manually inspecting goods by cutting open baggage and cartons.
After the airport's only import cargo scanner broke down on May 29, customs officials borrowed an unused export scanner to keep operations running. This temporary solution worked until 17 July, when the borrowed machine also collapsed, leaving the airport without a single working scanner.
Customs staff are now opening packages by hand, checking goods in front of clearing agents, and then resealing them before release.
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During a recent visit, several cartons were seen slit open, their contents pulled out and hastily repacked.
Passengers and traders say the situation is causing serious disruptions.
Migrant workers complain their personal belongings are being damaged, while importers face delays in cargo clearance and mounting demurrage charges.
"Cargo handling has slowed to a crawl, and passengers are suffering too. This is the country's second-largest international airport. If scanners remain broken, international standards will be badly undermined," said Kazi Mahmud Imam, former secretary of C&F Agent Association.
Customs officials admit they are struggling.
"One scanner failed, and later the backup machine also stopped working. We are now relying on manual inspection. The matter has been reported to higher authorities, and we expect a solution soon," said Pradip Das, outgoing assistant commissioner of customs at Shah Amanat airport.
Security experts say the problem is not just about inconvenience.
Retired Major Md Emdadul Islam warned that operating without scanners increases the risk of smuggling, illegal imports, and security breaches.
"When cargo bypasses scanners, international crime networks can exploit the gap. This damages not only passenger service but also the country's reputation and security," he said.
With no clear timeline for repairs, the breakdown has left Shah Amanat airport caught between mounting trade losses and rising security risks.
