Container operations at Chittagong Port and private Inland Container Depots (ICDs) are greatly improving as the political climate in Bangladesh becomes more stable.

Trade leaders report that Friday’s acceleration of the flow of export and import commodities, which had been badly hindered by security fears following the fall of the Awami League in government, restored corporate confidence.

Just 2,238 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers were shipped from port yards on 7th August, according to port data. This amount almost quadrupled to 3,924 TEUs by 8th August and reached 4,437 TEUs delivered by the port on 9th August.

Transport of commodities has been halted by police absence and nationwide security failures. But as the new interim administration assumes power and the police progressively return to their duties, the atmosphere of terror starts to fade.

“Both the delivery of imported goods and the receipt of export containers increased on Thursday and Friday as conditions began to normalise,” Omer Faruque, secretary of the Chittagong Port Authority, told local media.

“While container congestion at the port is gradually easing, it may take 7-10 days to return to normal levels,” he added.

Additionally, the backlog of containers brought on by the late July and early August supply delays is beginning to clear.

The quantity of containers piled up in the port yards decreased from 44,117 TEUs on 6th Augustto 42,768 TEUs as of 8th August. While this is still more than the typical 32,000–33,000 TEUs, things are getting better.

The amount of containers handled has also increased: 7,119 TEUs were handled in 24 hours between 8 a.m. on 8th August and 8 a.m. on 9th August, up from 6,309 TEUs in the preceding 24-hour period.

Beyond Chittagong Port, the rebound is evident in the 600 RMG factories in the area, each of which has resumed operations and taken individual steps to secure their locations. Goods are now being sent to ICDs for shipping.