The Eid-ul-Adha holidays almost over, but the export cargo backlog at private inland container depots (ICDs) continues unabated, prompting Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) to issue a fresh advisory to clients.
In a notice issued on Wednesday, BICDA said the situation remains "critically challenging" due to multiple overlapping disruptions that began before the Eid and still affecting cargo movement. Exporters had dispatched an unusually high volume of cargo - around 20,000 TEUs - to ICDs without confirming vessel schedules. These containers now crowd the depots, with limited scope for shipment due to port congestion and operational delays.
The advisory explained that although the Eid closure is near to end, vessel turnaround at Chittagong Port is still slow because of a recent pen-down (strike) by customs officers. The resulting jam of import containers has restricted space at berths, forcing many export-bound containers to wait indefinitely.
Labour shortages have also persisted even after the holidays. BICDA noted that many workers have not yet returned, affecting vital operations such as unloading and stuffing. Earlier strikes by drivers and helpers of prime movers also left a significant number of containers immobile, and the backlog from that disruption has yet to be cleared.
"Operational disruption remains severe, especially in CEPZ and Patenga areas," said the BICDA notice, referring to deteriorated condition of roads from Saltgola Crossing. Movement of containers from those depots continues to suffer as vehicles struggle through damaged routes.
Rainfall over the past week has further slowed operations, and without adequate pre-stacking space inside Chittagong Port, nearly 85 percent of export containers must still be taken directly to the vessels. BICDA said this last-mile dependency has led to frequent shut-outs at the time of vessel departure.
Despite the adverse conditions, BICDA asked the ICD operators for maintaining daily operations under pressure and urged clients to remain patient and cooperative as the sector works to normalize the situation.
