In an era marked by political unrest, a spiralling dollar crisis, and a global economic downturn, Chattogram Port stands out as a beacon of resilience and progress. The port's performance in the early months of the fiscal year offers a glimmer of optimism, reflecting not just a recovery but a robust comeback amidst significant challenges.
The statistics paint a promising picture. Despite an initial setback caused by a temporary internet shutdown under the then government in July, which halted export operations and led to a notable dip in export container handling, Chattogram Port has rebounded impressively. By August, export container handling surged to 78,146 TEUs, a marked increase from 59,854 TEUs in July. This rebound signifies not only the port's operational efficiency but also the underlying strength of Bangladesh's maritime trade sector.
The figures for July and August reveal a nuanced story. July saw a modest handling of 59,592 TEUs of export containers and 1,13,485 TEUs of import containers. By August, these numbers escalated to 78,146 TEUs and 1,05,075 TEUs respectively. This uptick in August aligns with a broader trend of recovery, as Chattogram Port handled a total of 31,68,690 TEUs during the financial year 2023-24, marking a commendable 5.36% increase from the previous fiscal year.
The growth in container handling is a testament to the port's adaptability and the gradual easing of the dollar crisis. With around 92% of the country's imports and exports and about 98% of its cargo containers processed through Chattogram Port, this growth is a vital indicator of national economy's health and resilience.
Yet, port's performance is not without its challenges. While container handling increased, the number of ships arriving at Chattogram Port declined from 4,253 in FY23 to 3,971 in FY24. This decrease, attributed to factors like the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Bangladesh Bank's import control policies, underscores the complex interplay of global and domestic economic forces.
Despite fewer ships docking, cargo handling saw an 18.1% increase, reaching 12,32,42,748 tonnes, up from 11,82,97,643 tonnes the previous year. This growth in cargo handling, juxtaposed with the drop in ship arrivals, suggests a more efficient use of resources and an adaptation to the prevailing economic conditions.
Chattogram Port's recent performance is a beacon of hope and a testament to its critical role in Bangladesh's economic framework. As the port navigates through the choppy waters of global economic uncertainties and domestic challenges, its ability to adapt and thrive underscores a broader narrative of resilience and recovery.
Looking ahead, the focus should be on maintaining this momentum and addressing the structural and operational challenges that lie ahead. Ensuring steady investment in infrastructure, streamlining operations, and fostering a stable economic environment will be crucial in sustaining this positive trend.
In sum, remarkable rebound of Chattogram Port offers a much-needed boost tonation's maritime trade sector. It highlights port's critical role as a linchpin of Bangladesh's trade and economic vitality. As the country continues to weather economic storms, resilience and performance of Chattogram Port will remain a crucial barometer of its economic health and potential.
