Two high-value containers vanish from Ctg port in six months, security in question

HIghlights

• Containers were loaded with fabrics worth Tk1.5 crore
• They went missing soon after auctions
• CPA says containers cannot be delivered till traced
• Collusion among insiders blamed for repeated incidents

The disappearance of two fabric-laden containers worth Tk1.5 crore from the heavily guarded Chattogram Port over the past six months has exposed serious security lapses at the country's busiest trade gateway.

In February, Shah Amanat Trading owner Selim Reza bought 27 tonnes of fabrics for Tk85 lakh through a customs auction. After clearing duties, VAT, and port charges, his total payment rose to Tk1.07 crore.

Reza said he inspected the container before bidding. But when he went to take delivery on 26 February, it had vanished. "We have written three times to the customs commissioner. Seven months [actually nearly six months] have passed, but I haven't got either my goods or my money back. My business is stuck, losses have crossed Tk1 crore," he told TBS.

Recently, another bidder, Md Yakub, paid Tk42 lakh for fabrics at auction. When he arrived with a delivery order, the container was missing. "How can a container disappear from inside the port when the army, navy, and port security are guarding it?" he asked. "This is not theft, this is collusion."

Port authorities admit incident

An official letter from the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has acknowledged the disappearance of the container belonging to Shah Amanat Trading. 

The letter, dated 2 July 2025, stated that container no TRHU-4015311x40 could not be found in the port yard. A joint inquiry committee formed by the port authorities had submitted a report confirming the container was missing. 

The letter concluded that delivery was not possible and that the customs authorities would be informed if the container is ever traced. Despite repeated attempts, CPA Secretary Mohammad Omar Faruk could not be reached for a comment.

Customs officials pass the buck

Customs officials acknowledge the complaints but maintain that responsibility lies with the port authorities. 

"We have two such allegations," Assistant Commissioner Md Sakib Hossain told TBS. "If the port confirms in writing that the containers cannot be delivered, we will proceed to refund the buyers. The port is the custodian. Until they give a final confirmation, we cannot refund."

A deeper problem

This is not the first time that Chattogram Port has been rocked by scandals. In July, four people were arrested trying to clear containers with forged documents. In June, police busted a syndicate stealing fabric from auctioned cargo. In previous years, goods worth crores went missing from yards and containers.

Port experts say such incidents cannot occur without collusion among insiders – terminal staff, customs officials, clearing agents and transport syndicates. 

"These are not petty thefts," Captain Anam Chowdhury, a maritime business expert, said. "A container cannot roll out of the yard without papers being signed at multiple desks. The containers might have been moved out with false documents with the help of influential insiders."

Mahfuzul Hoque Shah, a former director of the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCCI), echoed this sentiment. "An influential syndicate has long been operating in the port. Many incidents have been reported earlier, but the CPA has failed to stop such incidents that are tarnishing the image of the port in the international arena." 

He called for a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable.

Despite being one of the most secure zones in the country, with high walls, extensive CCTV surveillance, and patrols by the army, navy, and coast guard, containers continue to vanish. Traders say the disappearances signal a breakdown of trust and a system.