Cargo handling activities have increased in Chattogram port as import of essential commodities targeting the upcoming Ramadan has increased to a great extent in the port.

The activities have increased in the port in March compared to February as corona situation has improved in China, Port secretary Omar Faroque told BSS today.

He said the authorities are continuing the port operation for 24 hours to keep the supply chain of import and export of goods at normal pace.

He said necessary initiatives have been taken to screen corps of the ship from foreign countries, screen sailors who come from overseas, secure quarantine in the sea for 15 days, measure temperature and ensure hand wash by medical team while ships enter into the port.

Port Transport Department sources said the Chattogram Port Authority has recorded 1,08 crore 96 thousand 468 tonnes of cargo handling in January, 93 lakh 98 thousand 771 tonnes in February and 1,02 crore 64 thousand 402 tonnes in March, which is 9.21 percent more than February.

A total of 75 lakh 67 thousand 844 tonnes of open cargo (bulk cargo) laden with grain, clinker, wheat, gram, edible and fuel oil, came in January, which was reduced to 67 lakh 75 thousand 532 tonnes in Fabruary due to the corona impact in China.

But, the bulk cargo handling has increased to 74 lakh 26 thousand 460 tonnes in March due to improvement of the Corona situation in China.

Talking to BSS Shahed Sarwar, director of Bangladesh Shipping Agent Association, said that the import of goods always remains high before Ramadan and pre-budget period in every year in Bangladesh.

He said most of the raw materials of our garments industries including chemicals and capital instruments are imported from China.

But, exports are also reducing due to corona outbreak in Europe and closure of almost all garment factories in the country, he added.

MH