Chittagong Port, the country's main seaport, has set a new record in container handling in the fiscal year 2024-25, registering a 4 percent growth.
The port, which is ranked 67th in the world in container transport, has handled about 32.96 lakh single containers in the just-concluded fiscal year. This was the highest number of containers handled by the port in its 48-year history.
Despite various adversities and challenges throughout the year, Chittagong Port, known as the
lifeline of the country's economy, has achieved a milestone in container handling.
A total of 31 lakh 68 thousand 690 TEUs of containers were handled in the previous fiscal year. Besides, cargo handling was 13,07,24,783 lakh tonnes and the number of incoming ships was 4,077.
Container handling at Chittagong Port includes the activities of Central Jetty, Kamalapur Inland Container Depot (ICD) and Pangaon Inland Container Terminal. The port handles both import-export containers and empty containers.
The handling activities were hampered seriously during July uprising movement, prolonged floods, Eid holidays, customs pen-down strike, NBR shutdown and transport strike.
However, the port authority has handled more containers than the previous fiscal year despite obstacles.
However, Chittagong Customs House collected Tk 75,432 crore in revenue in the fiscal year 2024-25. It was Tk 68,755.7 crore in the previous fiscal year. The revenue collection increased by 9.71 percent or Tk 6,676.3 crore during the year.
According to London-based shipping publication Lloyd's List, Chittagong Port is ranked 67th among the busiest ports in the world.
The official data showed that 30 lakh 4 thousand 142 TEUs of containers were handled in FY 2020-21 while 30 lakh 97 thousand 236 TEUs in FY 2021-22, 32 lakh 55 thousand 358 TEUs in FY 2022-23 and 30 lakh 7 thousand 375 TEUs in FY 2023-24.
Currently, 23 percent of total imports through Chittagong Port are in containers. The remaining 77 percent come in bulk goods, oil and chemical tankers.
Of the ships docked at the port, 45 percent of them are container ships, 45 percent are bulk carriers and 10 percent are liquid cargo ships. About 99 percent of the country's total container trade is handled through Chittagong Port. The rest is handled from Mongla Port.
Chittagong Port Authority Secretary Md. Omar Faruk said, “Container handling this year is the highest in our history. All concerned, including port officials and employees, have worked sincerely to achieve this milestone.”
Chittagong Metropolitan (CMCCI) Chamber Vice President Mahbub Chowdhury said, “Chittagong Port and Customs are the main heart of the country's economy. Trade has increased through container handling, as well as revenue collection. It will contribute o the development of the country. To maintain this trend, the culture of obstructing port and customs activities through programs must be stopped.”
Although the revenue collection by Chittagong Customs House fell short of its target by Tk 4,970 crore, the overall collection was positive. In the fiscal year 2022-23, the house collected only Tk 62,658 crore in revenue.
Chittagong Custom House Spokesperson and Deputy Commissioner Saidul Islam said, “We had to face various challenges throughout the year. This included strikes, protests, and transport strike. Still, we were on a positive trend in revenue collection.”
He said surveillance has been strengthened through Audit, Investigation and Research (AIR) branch to prevent revenue evasion. “Despite all adversities, we have been able to maintain a positive trend in revenue collection, and we have also strengthened discipline in revenue administration.”
