475 Cargo Containers Set to Be Auctioned Amid Port Congestion
According to sources from the Customs House, Chattogram, the containers contain a variety of goods, including machinery, electronics, fabrics, industrial raw materials, and perishable items. These were either abandoned by importers or failed to meet clearance requirements within the stipulated time.
Chattogram, July 16, 2025 — In a significant move to ease congestion at the country’s key seaports, the authorities have announced the auction of 475 unclaimed cargo containers currently lying idle at the Chattogram Port. These containers, many of which have been sitting at the port for months — in some cases, years — are set to go under the hammer in the coming weeks.
“We are taking this step in accordance with customs law to clear port space and recover government revenue,” said a senior customs official. “Many of these containers have been occupying valuable yard space, contributing to port congestion and disrupting logistics operations.”
Customs authorities said that legal procedures have been followed for each container, including issuing notices to the respective importers. As per rules, if goods remain unclaimed beyond the designated period, they are subject to government auction.
The auction is expected to attract significant interest from local businesses, resellers, and industrial buyers. Interested participants will be able to inspect container contents through official manifests before placing bids. The customs department has said the auction will be held both physically and online to ensure wider participation and transparency.
Port officials noted that clearing these containers will not only improve cargo handling efficiency but also enhance the overall operational capacity of the Chattogram Port, which handles around 90% of Bangladesh’s import and export cargo.
This is not the first time such an auction has been organized. However, this particular batch — totaling 475 containers — marks one of the largest in recent years. The initiative comes as part of broader efforts by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to streamline port operations and reduce delays in cargo movement.
