Chattogram Port goes 24/7 ahead of Ramadan

Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has unveiled an action plan to keep supply chains uninterrupted and ensure stable market supplies during the holy month of Ramadan.

Two strategic meetings were held at the port headquarters today (19 February), chaired by CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman. Following the meetings, the port formally entered a full-scale 24/7 operational mode, according to a press release from CPA.

Officials said the move aims to prioritise the clearance and delivery of essential Ramadan commodities such as dates, fruits, spices, sugar and edible oil to prevent supply disruptions and price volatility in domestic markets.

The chairman stressed the need for expedited customs clearance and faster delivery from the port. Representatives of the Chattogram Custom House agreed to maintain round-the-clock assessment of import cargo and shipment of export goods in coordination with the port's three-shift operations.

To ease congestion, a special crash programme has been launched to move nearly 2,000 Dhaka-bound containers currently stranded at the port to the capital's inland container depot. The initiative will be implemented in coordination with Bangladesh Railway.

Railway authorities are also set to hold an urgent meeting with importers and exporters to streamline container transportation and improve scheduling.

During the meeting, officials discussed operational bottlenecks caused by malfunctioning scanners installed by customs inside the port area. Out of the total scanners, 45 are reportedly out of order, resulting in long queues of vehicles awaiting scanning and disrupting normal operations. Customs authorities have been urged to expedite repairs and modernisation.

Declaring a zero tolerance policy against supply chain delays, the CPA chairman said national economic interests and consumer welfare must remain the top priority.

Key decisions include maintaining 24-hour operations in three shifts by both the port and customs, ensuring priority unloading and delivery of essential commodities, fast-tracking Dhaka-bound containers under the crash programme, and forming two high-powered task forces to monitor container handling and port activities in real time.

A quick response team has been formed to keep critical port equipment functional. Trade bodies, shipping agents and transport associations pledged additional manpower and logistical support to align with the 24/7 schedule.

Representatives from the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association and other port users attended the meetings, along with officials from customs, railway and transport bodies.

Port authorities expressed optimism that with coordinated efforts from all stakeholders, cargo handling will accelerate and temporary disruptions will be resolved swiftly.

The CPA also urged all parties to work collectively in the broader interest of the country's import-export trade during Ramadan.