The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association has called for immediate government intervention to break the ongoing operational deadlock at the Chittagong Port.
The trade body warned on Monday that the stalemate is pushing the country’s export-oriented industries, particularly the readymade garment sector, toward a severe crisis.
In a formal letter addressed to the Shipping Adviser on Monday, BGMEA Acting President Selim Rahman emphasized that the port’s stability is critical to maintaining the nation’s economic backbone.
The garment industry operates on strict lead times where even minor delays can result in canceled orders or expensive air shipments.
According to the BGMEA, the current disruptions are breaking the manufacturing chain by delaying raw material arrivals and eroding the confidence of international buyers in Bangladesh’s reliability.
Furthermore, exporters are facing mounting financial losses that threaten the country’s overall foreign exchange earnings.
The letter highlighted that the unrest stems primarily from labor dissatisfaction and work abstentions related to the leasing process of the New Mooring Container Terminal to a foreign entity.
These complications have led to acute container congestion, prolonged delays in unloading goods from vessels, and a significant backlog in both import and export logistics.
Selim Rahman stated that Chittagong Port is the gateway for trade and any disruption there directly impacts the ability to compete globally.
He noted that if the deadlock continues, the risk of losing export orders will surge, which will ultimately hurt the national economy.
Consequently, the BGMEA has urged the government to initiate immediate dialogues with all stakeholders to reach an acceptable and peaceful resolution.
The association expressed hope that timely decision making would restore operational stability and safeguard the interests of the country’s export dependent industries.