Export cargo handling at private inland container depots (ICDs) in Chattogram went into overdrive after the government fell, as the depots rushed to clear the backlogs and desperate businesses sought to meet shipping deadlines.
In the first fifteen days of August, export cargo handling at the 18 private container depots in the port city exceeded the corresponding period of July, data shows.
In the first half of August, the depots processed 32,180 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) of export cargo -- an increase of 360 TEUs compared to the same period in July.
The depots were closed on the first five days of the month due to nationwide fierce student protests. They resumed operations on 6 August.
Despite the initial disruptions, prompt stability and clear directives from the interim government contributed to the surge, according to industry insiders.
A sense of calm returned following the formation of the interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus on 8 August, they said.
The Bangladesh Container Depots Association (BICDA) said export handling increased as shipments were disrupted by student protests from 18 July.
According to the association, the increase actually reflects a backlog from the last ten days of July when protests intensified and the then Awami League government imposed a curfew nationwide.
"We handled a record volume of 3,306 TEUs on 14 July, the highest in at least six or seven months," said Ruhul Amin Sikder (Biplob), secretary-general of BICDA.
He also said the overall number of empty containers at the depots has decreased.
On 15 July, there were 49,396 TEUs of empty export boxes at the ICDs which fell to 46,388 TEUs on 15 August, according to BICDA statistics.
BICDA insiders said they had sufficient staff to handle the export cargo. But, shipping executives reported delays in port activities due to importers not taking delivery.
Captain AS Chowdhury of container ship operator Seacon told The Financial Express that many exporters who missed shipments during the student protests were now rushing to avoid discounts or order cancellations.
The 18 ICDs are crucial to the country's export-import supply chain. These off-dock facilities handle almost 100 per cent of the country's containerised cargo and serve as extensions of Chittagong seaport.
Their main functions include storing, handling and transporting export and import containers and streamlining logistics operations.
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