Strike at Chattogram Port Disrupts Ramadan Supplies

Chattogram Port is grappling with severe disruptions as ongoing strikes by workers and staff have delayed the clearance of essential Ramadan commodities, including dates, lentils, sugar, and other foodstuffs. The prolonged work stoppage has raised serious concerns over potential financial losses for businesses and the risk of shortages in domestic markets.

Currently, 35 ships are anchored at the port, awaiting cargo discharge. Shipping and port officials warn that if the strike persists, the situation could escalate into a wider supply crisis.

According to port and shipping sources, each day a vessel is kept waiting incurs an additional cost of approximately BDT 2.5 million (around USD 20,000). Former Vice Chairman of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, Shafiqul Alam Jewel, commented, “Such prolonged delays before Ramadan will have multifaceted consequences. Shipowners are likely to pass on these additional costs to importers, ultimately affecting consumers.”

Ruhul Amin Sikder, Secretary-General of the Private Container Depot Owners’ Association, noted that port operations remain roughly 50% below normal levels, with export container throughput declining at a similar rate.

Impact of the Strike on Port Operations

No vessel at the port’s jetties and terminals has been able to complete cargo unloading within the standard eight-hour window. This backlog affects the New Mooring Terminal (NCT), Chattogram Container Terminal (CCT), and General Cargo Berths (GCB) alike. Despite the availability of cranes, straddle carriers, and rubber-tyred gantry cranes, the shortage of experienced operators has brought operations to a near standstill.

Md. Omar Faruk, Director of Administration at Chattogram Port, warned, “Strikes of this magnitude ahead of Ramadan are having a profoundly negative impact on the national economy. If workers do not resume their duties, strict administrative measures will be enforced.”

Law enforcement has imposed restrictions on rallies and gatherings at the port, and authorities have formed an investigative committee. Nonetheless, workers have vowed to continue their protest and are preparing to hold a demonstration carrying black flags.

If cargo is not cleared promptly, the delay could drive up prices of essential commodities just before Ramadan, directly affecting consumers nationwide. Analysts caution that any continued disruption may have cascading effects across the food supply chain and inflate market prices in the coming weeks.