Heavy rains from the monsoon have halted cargo unloading at Chattogram Port, which is the busiest and largest port in Bangladesh. This situation is leading to delays in supply chains and a rise in container backlogs. The suspension, which lasted for three consecutive days, highlights the vulnerability of port operations to extreme weather events during the monsoon season. Chattogram Port handles over 90% of the country’s international trade, including key imports such as industrial raw materials, garments, electronics, and consumer goods. The recent downpour made it unsafe for dock workers and machinery to operate, leading port authorities to temporarily halt unloading activities from both container and bulk vessels. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) recorded continuous rainfall and strong gusts during this period, prompting the suspension of lighter vessel movements and limiting access to jetties. As a result, dozens of ships were left waiting at anchorage, and cargo dwell times increased, adding pressure on port storage and logistics planning. Port users, including freight forwarders and shipping agents, expressed concern about shipment delays, especially for time-sensitive cargo. Garment exporters, in particular, face tighter delivery windows and could incur additional costs if the backlog persists. Some importers have already begun rerouting goods or considering alternative logistics timelines. Despite the disruption, port authorities responded swiftly by coordinating with customs, terminal operators, and logistics providers to resume operations as soon as weather conditions improved. Workers were redeployed for round-the-clock operations once unloading resumed, with a focus on clearing priority containers. The incident underscores the importance of weather-resilient infrastructure in Bangladesh’s growing logistics sector. Chattogram Port is vital to the national economy, and authorities are exploring long-term solutions including improved drainage systems, weather forecasting tools, and covered handling areas to mitigate future disruptions. Industry analysts believe the need for sustainable port planning is becoming more urgent as climate-related weather events become more frequent. Investments in smart logistics, digital cargo tracking, and multi-port coordination will be key to minimizing such delays and maintaining Bangladesh’s competitiveness in international trade. As unloading operations gradually return to normal, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by developing ports during monsoon season—and the importance of proactive planning, safety, and resilience in critical national infrastructure.
