Amid an unprecedented crisis in the country’s import–export trade caused by a continuous work stoppage and complete suspension of vessel movement at Chattogram Port, top leaders of nine leading business associations have called for immediate high-level government intervention. They expressed grave concern in a joint statement issued after an emergency meeting held on 05 February 2026 (Thursday) at the BTMA office in Gulshan, Dhaka.

In the joint statement, the presidents of the Employers’ Federation of Bangladesh, BCI, MCCI, DCCI, BGMEA, BKMEA, BTMA, BTTLMEA, BJAPMEA, and BJBA stated that, for the first time in the history of Chattogram Port, even vessel movement has been completely halted. This rare and alarming situation has effectively paralyzed the country’s principal seaport—the heart of the national economy. They warned that each day of port closure results in direct economic losses amounting to several thousand crore taka. As a result, import and export activities across all sectors, including the readymade garment industry, have come to a standstill, pushing the country toward irreparable damage.

They further noted that raw materials for export-oriented industries are failing to reach factories on time, while finished goods are piling up at the port awaiting shipment. Consequently, meeting international buyers’ deadlines has become nearly impossible. The leaders expressed serious concern that if the situation persists for just a few more days, large-scale order cancellations may occur, and foreign buyers may take harsh decisions to shift sourcing away from Bangladesh.

The statement highlighted that the country’s production and export sectors are already passing through an unprecedented crisis due to declining global demand, rising production costs, and ongoing geopolitical instability. Entrepreneurs are struggling to survive by reducing operating costs to remain competitive. In the meantime, the port deadlock has led to severe container congestion, causing sharp increases in demurrage charges, port charges, and storage rent, directly raising production costs. This will inevitably increase export prices, negatively affecting Bangladesh’s foreign trade competitiveness in the long run.

On the import side, the additional costs will be passed on to consumers. With the holy month of Ramadan approaching, failure to resolve the crisis immediately will delay the supply of essential imported commodities, creating an artificial shortage and pushing prices beyond the reach of ordinary people. The leaders cautioned that the burden of this public suffering will have to be borne by all.

The statement also warned that the ongoing crisis is creating instability in bank loans and LC management. If shipments are delayed, businesses will be unable to meet their bank liabilities, posing a serious risk to the entire financial sector. Moreover, the prolonged paralysis of port operations is severely damaging Bangladesh’s image in the international market. The adverse impact on imports and exports will inevitably affect the overall economy and directly contribute to price hikes in the upcoming Ramadan and Eid markets, emerging as a major challenge for the incoming new government. Additionally, disruptions at the port are seriously hindering international vessels operating on global routes, affecting their onward journeys.

The leaders made a respectful appeal to the current government, stating:

“In the greater national interest and to keep the wheels of the economy moving, this issue must be resolved immediately. The complexities surrounding the NCT lease may be reviewed by the new government, if necessary, but keeping the port paralyzed for that reason is in no way acceptable.”

At the same time, they made a special appeal to the port workers’ unions, saying:

“You are the lifeblood of this port. You have every right to place your demands before the government. However, halting vessel movement is equivalent to putting your own home at risk. We urge you, in the spirit of responsibility toward the national economy, to withdraw from this exceptional stance. If the new government assures a review of your demands, restoring port operations would be the greatest act of patriotism at this moment.”

The leaders concluded by expressing their firm belief that the government and the protesting parties would sit at the negotiating table immediately and find a sustainable solution today. Otherwise, they warned, it would be impossible for anyone to recover from this looming catastrophe.