Both export container entry and the delivery of imported goods came to a standstill at the maritime gateway, which handles over 90 per cent of the country's international trade volume and 98 per cent of its container traffic, a domestic media outlet reported.
Meanwhile, lorry and trailer workers have returned to work after the strike, which followed clashes at Faujdarhat DC Park of Sitakunda.
On February 4 evening, clashes broke out between DC Park guards and goods transport workers over vehicle parking issues. This led the Chittagong District Prime Mover and Trailer Workers Union to call a strike, disrupting cargo transport and causing container congestion at the port.
The strike caused delays in shipment schedules, longer ship turnaround times and rising storage costs. Workers' actions, combined with administrative negligence, stalled goods transport, leading to further losses.
Garment exporters expressed concern that delays in loading goods could lead to missed deadlines, discounts and shipment cancellations, causing significant losses.
The strike was withdrawn in the evening of February 7 after the deputy police commissioner (port) assured labour organisation leaders.
Following this, cargo transport operations smoothly resumed and full-scale goods transport from the port resumed on February 8 morning.
ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)
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