Chattogram Custom House has destroyed 88 containers of expired, low-quality, and unusable goods as part of a drive to clear 126 containers of un-auctionable items stored at Chattogram Port. The destruction, which began on August 24, aims to dispose of approximately 3,268 tonnes of goods, including dates, soda ash, feed-grade limestone, and various expired food products. The initiative is part of an effort by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to ease container congestion at the port.
Background and Context
The disposal of expired and hazardous goods is crucial for maintaining port efficiency and public health. Under existing procedures, imported goods must be cleared within 30 days of arrival. If unclaimed, a notice is issued, and the goods may be auctioned after 15 days. If they remain unsold or become expired, authorities destroy them for public interest and health and safety reasons.
Russell Ahmed, assistant commissioner of Chattogram Custom House, confirmed that a committee comprising representatives of different government agencies determines which goods are eligible for destruction. Prolonged storage of refrigerated containers requires continuous electricity, leading to unnecessary power consumption and occupied shipping agents' containers. Destroying these goods allows shipping agents to reclaim empty containers, thereby optimizing port operations.
Process and Safety Measures
The destruction process began on August 24 at a designated site behind the Republic Club of Chattogram Port, where a large pit was excavated for environmentally safe disposal. A joint team comprising members of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar, and port police assisted the customs authorities in ensuring the safety of the operation.
On the first day, ten containers were destroyed, followed by 23 on the second day. The operation continued over the past week, resulting in the destruction of 88 containers. The remaining 38 containers are expected to be destroyed in the coming days. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce container congestion and improve the overall efficiency of Chattogram Port.
