Chittagong Port, the heartbeat of the country’s economy, has taken a major initiative to further enhance its safety and security management by observing “Port Safety Week-2026” for the first time in its history.
The week-long programme was inaugurated on Sunday morning with a colorful ceremony held at the Port Bhaban premises under the theme “Safe Port, Prosperous Nation.”
The programme was formally inaugurated by releasing balloons by the Acting Chairman and Member (Harbour & Marine) of Chittagong Port Authority, Commodore Ahmed Amin Abdullah, who attended as the chief guest. Special guest at the event was Member (Administration & Planning) of Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Additional Secretary Md. Shamimuzzaman.
Following the inauguration, a vibrant awareness rally was brought out with the participation of port officials and employees. The rally paraded through several important roads within the port area.
In his address as chief guest, Commodore Ahmed Amin Abdullah said that the main objective of the programme is to ensure smooth and safe port operations to keep the country’s economic activities uninterrupted and to develop a more efficient and modern port. He said, “Not only the port infrastructure, but also the safety of workers, employees, stakeholders, equipment, assets, and lives are being brought under one umbrella to ensure a safe port through the observance of ‘Port Safety Week-2026’.”
Special guest Md. Shamimuzzaman said that Chittagong Port has strengthened its modern surveillance systems, firefighting technologies, and emergency response mechanisms to meet current global challenges. He added that special disaster management plans have also been formulated to minimize loss of life and property during any emergency situation.
At the beginning of the programme, Deputy Director of the Port Security Department, Lieutenant Commander Syed Sajjadur Rahman, delivered the welcome speech and outlined the activities of the security department for the upcoming week. He stated that “the strength of the port lies in its hardworking workers and employees. Therefore, strict instructions have been issued regarding the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) according to assigned duties.”
He further informed that the week-long programme includes special safety briefings, mock drills, and awareness workshops. Through these activities, officials and employees will gain practical experience and improve their ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
As part of the initiative, students of port-run schools, madrasas, and colleges will also receive basic training on disaster management and first aid. In addition, leaflets containing important traffic signs and emergency instructions are being distributed to ensure safer internal traffic movement within the port area.
The Chittagong Port Authority stated that safety is not the responsibility of a single department, but a collective effort of all users, officials, and employees. Through this coordinated initiative, the authority aims to transform Chittagong Port into an international-standard safe and modern seaport.
