Trade bodies seek support after floods hit Ctg port

Leading business associations have urged the government to announce an emergency support package for industries and exporters, warning that prolonged disruptions at Chattogram port following recent flooding could inflict heavy losses on the country’s manufacturing and export sectors.

In a joint letter addressed to Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, the country’s leading trade bodies yesterday called for the immediate restoration of road and rail connectivity to Chattogram port, a waiver of port-related charges, concessional financing and fast-track customs clearance to minimise supply chain disruptions.

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The signatories included the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) and the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

According to the business leaders, heavy rainfall since July 5 caused severe waterlogging at several port yards and nearby private container depots, disrupting cargo handling, storage and transportation.

Imported cotton, yarn, fabric, industrial raw materials, chemicals, packaging materials and food products face the risk of quality deterioration, while export-oriented sectors such as readymade garments, home textiles, leather goods, pharmaceuticals and frozen foods are experiencing shipment delays, order cancellations and potential financial penalties, they said.

The entrepreneurs warned that prolonged disruption could undermine buyers’ confidence in Bangladesh as a reliable sourcing destination.

The associations also expressed concern over the additional financial burden from demurrage, detention, storage, port and shipping charges as containers remain stranded. They said the disruptions have also affected industrial production, business cash flows, workers’ wages and banking obligations, with small and medium-sized enterprises hit hardest.

In the letter, the business leaders urged the government to quickly assess the situation and conduct a transparent investigation into losses resulting from infrastructure deficiencies, inadequate drainage systems or management failures.

Their key demands include the immediate restoration of road and rail connectivity to the port, the formation of a special assessment committee comprising government agencies and business representatives, and the temporary suspension or waiver of demurrage, detention, storage, port and related shipping charges until normal operations resume.

They also sought fast-track customs clearance for industrial raw materials, export goods, food products and medicines, along with special refinancing facilities and low-interest working capital loans for affected businesses. The entrepreneurs further requested extensions to loan repayment deadlines without penalties, temporary extensions of the validity of letters of credit and trade permits, and deferment of taxes, VAT, utility bills and other government charges for affected industries.

The business bodies also proposed creating a dedicated recovery fund for small and medium-sized enterprises and facilitating the replacement or re-import of flood-damaged industrial raw materials through special customs and banking support.

As a longer-term measure, they recommended developing climate-resilient port infrastructure by expanding terminal and storage capacity, improving drainage systems and strengthening transport connectivity. They also proposed formulating a National Trade Continuity Framework to ensure uninterrupted import and export activities during future natural disasters.

The entrepreneurs urged the government to treat the matter as one of national importance and swiftly announce a coordinated financial and policy support package to protect exports, industrial production, employment and supply chains.