The European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham Bangladesh) on Saturday urged the immediate resumption of full operations at Chattogram Port, warning that prolonged disruptions are causing severe economic losses, threatening exports, and undermining supply chain confidence, reports BSS.
In a statement, EuroCham Bangladesh expressed grave concern over the near-standstill at the port, which handles more than 90 percent of Bangladesh’s international trade and serves as the principal gateway for export-oriented industries.
Under normal conditions, the port processes around 2,000 to 2,500 export containers daily. However, recent work stoppages have almost completely halted operations, leaving export consignments and container movements in limbo, the chamber said.
EuroCham said its members and European brands sourcing from Bangladesh are increasingly alarmed as export schedules collapse, delivery windows are missed, and additional logistics costs continue to mount.
The chamber estimated that export goods worth around US$660 million, equivalent to nearly Tk 80 billion, are currently stuck in approximately 13,000 containers at port facilities, private inland depots, and vessels unable to berth or depart.
Stressing the broader implications, EuroCham Bangladesh said predictable, uninterrupted, and efficient port operations are essential to safeguarding export performance, protecting millions of jobs supported by overseas demand, and maintaining Bangladesh’s reputation as a reliable sourcing destination for European and global markets.
The chamber urged all relevant stakeholders to take immediate steps to fully restore normal port operations, resolve ongoing disputes through constructive dialogue that safeguards national economic interests, and advance port modernisation initiatives to enhance efficiency, reliability, competitiveness, and predictability.
EuroCham Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to supporting business growth and strengthening the country’s trade infrastructure, saying it stands ready to engage constructively with authorities and stakeholders to help ensure a stable, efficient, and future-ready port system.
According to available data, Chattogram Port handled more than 831,000 export container units valued at US$42.3 billion in fiscal year 2024–25, while textiles and ready-made garments account for around 80 percent of Bangladesh’s total exports, making the country the world’s second-largest garment exporter.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
