Chittagong port: 318 hazardous chemical containers stranded
Fears of a catastrophic accident have mounted at Chittagong port, where 318 deteriorating containers of hazardous chemicals have remained stranded for years.
A total of 318 containers containing hazardous chemicals have been stranded at Chittagong port for years, triggering severe safety concerns. Several containers have degraded over time, sharply raising the risk of accidental fires and explosions at Bangladesh's primary maritime gateway.
The Chittagong Port Authority has repeatedly pressed customs officials to dispose of the dangerous cargo, which was formally handed over by 30 September. However, ongoing legal complications and paperwork delays have kept the explosive and flammable goods sitting inside crowded port yards.
The hazard recalls past industrial tragedies, including the 2022 Sitakunda BM depot blast that killed at least 50 people and the 2020 Beirut port explosion. Business leaders warned that hoarding volatile chemicals in congested areas leaves the port vulnerable to disaster at any moment.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
