Export container transport resumes from ICDs to Ctg Port as customs officers end protest
Export operations at the country’s largest seaport had been at a complete standstill since Saturday due to the absence of customs officials
Export activities at the Chattogram Port have resumed after officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) withdrew their complete shutdown movement demanding the resignation of the board's chairman and structural reforms instead of NBR's dissolution.
After the announcement was made this evening (29 June), customs officers returned to work at key operational points, including the port's gate, scanning areas, and customs clearance of export goods restarted at the Inland Container Depots (ICDs).
Md Omar Faruk, secretary of the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA), confirmed to The Business Standard that customs officials resumed duties at various locations, including the port gates and scanning units.
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"The port operates 24/7. We expect import and export operations to return to normal shortly," he added.
The two-day stalemate at the NBR and most of the ports around the country ended this evening with protesting officials withdrawing their protests hours after the interim government announced revenue and customs jobs as "essential services" and warned of stern action if officials do not return to work.
Mohammad Ruhul Amin Sikder, secretary general of the Bangladesh Inland Container Depot Association (BICDA), told TBS that customs officials began working at several depots from 8pm. "All ICDs have started preparing to send stuck export containers to the port.
"We plan to move at least 2,000 TEUs of export containers from 19 depots overnight. The containers scheduled for ships that couldn't load on Sunday are now being sent quickly to the port."
Clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents also confirmed that customs officials resumed duties. The submission of bills of export also resumed at the Custom House, Chattogram (CHC).
SM Saiful Alam, president of the Chattogram C&F Agents Association, said, "As customs officials have resumed export activities at the port, all operations, including delivery of imported goods, customs assessment, and clearance, will hopefully begin in full swing from Monday.
"C&F agents will also resume regular duties from Monday morning."
Export operations at the country's largest seaport had been at a complete standstill since Saturday due to the absence of customs officials. At least four vessels were unable to depart the port because they could not receive containers from the ICDs.
More than 3,000 containers — including both export and empty containers — remained onboard, while nearly 4,000 containers were stuck at the depots.
According to the CPA, 10 container vessels are currently berthed at the port's jetties, while 19 more ships are waiting at the outer anchorage.
