ports

Bangladesh exporters seek damages after severe flooding paralyzes Chittagong port

Bangladesh's export community is demanding compensation following nearly a week of torrential rainfall that severely disrupted Chittagong port operations. The country's primary maritime gateway experienced heavy inundation of terminal facilities, inland container depots, and connecting highways, preventing timely cargo movement and delaying vessel departures by up to 24 hours. Waterlogged roads blocked export containers from reaching the port on time, while flooded terminal areas slowed cargo handling and reduced import container releases. Photos on social media documented containers submerged in floodwater at the general cargo berth. Apparel manufacturers and logistics operators reported significant losses in less-than-containerload sheds and at private inland depots. In a letter to Bangladesh's shipping ministry, business groups demanded compensation and emergency measures to restore full road and rail connectivity to the port. The Chittagong Port Authority rejected compensation claims, citing the flooding as an act of God beyond its liability.