In a major move to clear the docks and protect the environment, the Chittagong Port successfully destroyed 19 old, hazardous (Dangerous Goods) containers that had been left abandoned for a long period. These goods, which were unfit for auction and posed a safety risk, were safely disposed of over two full days—October 25th and 26th.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) announced this successful operation on Monday (October 27th).
A Coordinated Safety Effort
The demolition was led by an inter-agency committee focused on destroying non-auctionable, hazardous items. Mohammad Nurullah Nuri, Additional Divisional Commissioner (General) of the Chittagong Division and convener of the committee, oversaw the complex task.
Crucially, the operation involved representatives from nearly every relevant safety and environmental body, including:
• The Department of Environment
• The Department of Explosives
• DGFI and NSI
• Chittagong Port Authority
• Chittagong Metropolitan Police
• Chittagong Custom House
The destruction ran non-stop from 9:00 AM on Saturday until 9:30 PM on Sunday. Fire Service and Civil Defence, Ansar, and local police provided crucial security and support throughout the process.
What Was Destroyed?
The dangerous cargo included:
• 16 containers of uncoated calcium carbonate.
• Single containers each of orange emulsion, sweet whey powder, and skimmed milk powder.
These goods, due to lying neglected in the port area for an extended time, had created significant environmental and safety risks.
A Step Towards a Clearer Port
This recent effort is part of a larger ongoing process. Last year, the Chittagong Custom House and Port Authority jointly disposed of four highly flammable hazardous cargo containers that had been stuck for 14 years.
To tackle the widespread container congestion at the port, the NBR reports that inventory has been completed for approximately 6,069 containers (about 10,000 TEUs). A significant number of these have already gone through the auction process. The NBR hopes that completing the remaining auctions quickly will allow the Chittagong Custom House to play a major role in reducing congestion and enhancing the overall security of the port.
The Revenue Board confirmed that the destruction of long-abandoned hazardous goods will continue systematically to ensure the safety of the Chittagong Port.