After the horrific explosion and fire at BM container depot in Sitakunda, 4 private depots in Chattogram district are in trouble due to shipments of hydrogen peroxide being restricted to Singapore port.
105 containers of hydrogen peroxide are stuck in these depots for export. These containers contain approximately 1,260 tons of hydrogen peroxide.
Ruhul Amin Biplob, secretary general of BICDA, an association of private container depot (off-dock) owners, said efforts were being made to speed up shipment or return of hydrogen peroxide to four other depots after the BM depot accident. If these containers cannot be shipped through the port of Singapore, it remains to be seen whether there is a possibility of shipping through Port Kelang or another port. If that is not possible, they may be asked to take the containers to their respective factories. Regarding the shipment of intact goods at BM Depot, the official said that many investigation teams are working there. We have not yet received the account of burnt goods, intact products.
Further action will depend on the investigation report. Many stakeholders including ports, customs, C&F, importers, exporters, BGMEA, shipping agents, depot authorities, law enforcement, fire service, explosives department, environment department are involved.
According to sources, the BGMEA delegation visited the spot after the accident and called for the shipment of intact exported goods. The investigation committee formed by the divisional commission has requested for extension of time in submitting the report. CID has collected CCTV footage from BM Depot.
At least 48 people including 10 firefighters have been killed in an explosion and fire at a BM container depot so far. Two hundreds were injured.