C T Online Desk: The number of import-export cargo containers at Chittagong port and offdocks has increased due to the suspension of goods traffic on highways due to the violence surrounding the quota movement and lack of internet service. However, the situation has started to normalize somewhat since Tuesday, officials said. As broadband internet services have been launched on a limited scale, there is hope of speeding up the import-export activities at the port. The Deputy Commissioner of Chittagong Customs House, Imam Ghazzali claimed that the traders are now able to redeem all the goods of import and export. He said, “Perishable goods have been taxed manually. All activities are returning to normal as broadband internet services have resumed.”President of Chittagong Customs C&F Agent Association. Akhtar Hossain said, “There is no problem in the port authority and customs house. The problem is that we are unable to release the goods as we do not receive the dues from the shipping agents. They are not getting internet. Around 5000 containers carrying export goods are accumulated in 19 Offdocks of Chittagong. Apart from this, no new export products from readymade garment factories have arrived at offdock in the last few days. Shipping of import containers from offdocks to factories was also stopped. Port Chairman Rear Admiral M Sohail said, “The loading and unloading of goods from ships was normal at all jetties of the port. But there was a problem in delivery. Due to this, the number of containers at the port has increased.” The situation is improving as vehicular movement has started on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway and manual customs clearance of some goods has started on a priority basis. But it may take another week or so to return to full normal activity.
