Strike halts operations at Bangladesh’s largest port, threatening key exports

Dhaka: Operations at Chittagong Port, Bangladesh’s largest and busiest seaport, came to a standstill on Sunday as a strike by customs officials disrupted shipping activity amid a growing standoff with the government.

The walkout, part of an ongoing protest by National Board of Revenue (NBR) staff, has paralysed the port’s daily operations, which typically handle 7,000 to 8,000 containers.

"Since this morning, there has been no movement in offloading or onboarding of goods,” said Mohammed Omar Faruq, secretary of the Chittagong Port Authority. “This is having a huge impact on the country's economic situation."

Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest garment exporter, relies heavily on the Chittagong Port. The textile and garment sector, which makes up about 80% of national exports, is particularly vulnerable to such disruptions.

Mahmud Hasan Khan, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, warned the strike could cost the industry an estimated $222 million.

“The cost of recovery will be staggering—beyond comprehension—and many factories risk going bankrupt,” Khan said.

The protest stems from government plans to restructure the NBR, including splitting it into two separate entities. NBR staff have staged intermittent strikes in opposition.

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, urged strikers to return to work.

“We hope NBR's staff will report back to work, setting aside their unlawful programme that goes against the national interest,” his office said in a statement. “Otherwise, for the sake of the people and the economy, the government will be left with no option but to act firmly.”

Authorities barred protesting NBR staff from entering office premises on Sunday, citing a government order prohibiting demonstrations inside government buildings.

Meanwhile, 13 business chambers held a press conference on Saturday, urging swift resolution to prevent further economic fallout.