Bangladesh – Chattogram Port Strike Escalation & Operational Standstill

We wish to provide an urgent update regarding the situation at Chattogram Port, Bangladesh, where ongoing industrial action has escalated and is now causing a complete paralysis of port operations.

Based on information from local authorities, port users, and media reporting, the Port Workers’ Union commenced a fresh 48-hour work stoppage effective from 2 February 2026, intensifying the disruption that initially began on 31 January 2026. The strike is reportedly linked to opposition against the proposed DP World terminal agreement.

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Update February 9 2026

According to an official announcement from the leadership of the Chattogram Bandar Rakkha Sangram Parishad, the previously planned indefinite strike scheduled to commence on 9 February 2026 has been postponed until 15 February 2026.

This decision has been taken in consideration of:

• The upcoming 13th National Parliament election, and
• The need to facilitate the release of import cargo ahead of the Ramadan season.

The announcement also noted that five key issues remain unresolved. Should these matters not be addressed by the revised deadline, the Parishad has cautioned that industrial action may resume from 16 February 2026 onward, with any further guidance to be communicated through official channels.

Operational Outlook

• Port operations are currently continuing during this postponement period.
• However, residual delays and yard congestion persist as a result of earlier disruptions.
• Vessel schedules, cargo release, and inland movements may remain subject to variability over the coming days.

Customer Guidance

We recommend customers:

• Plan shipments cautiously, allowing additional buffer time
• Remain flexible with delivery expectations
• Stay in close contact with their KLN representative for shipment-specific updates

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Update February 6 2026

The industrial action has now entered its sixth consecutive day, with no improvement in operational conditions. Port activities remain completely paralysed, and disruption across the supply chain continues to intensify.

Current Port Situation

As at the time of this update:

• All import and export operations remain fully suspended, with no cargo moving through port gates.
• Vessel operations are halted, including berthing, loading, and discharge at all jetties.
• Container transportation between the port, Inland Container Depots (ICDs), and factories has completely stopped.
• Severe congestion continues to build at port terminals and ICD yards, with daily increases in container backlogs.
• Manufacturing and export cycles are being adversely affected, as delays in raw materials and finished goods increase the risk of missing feeder and mainline vessel connections at transshipment hubs.

Anticipated Service Impacts

Customers should continue to expect:

• Prolonged container dwell times at port and ICDs, potentially leading to additional storage and related charges.
• Ongoing vessel schedule disruption, including delays, rolled export bookings, and missed cut-offs.
• Extended transit times and wider supply chain bottlenecks for cargo moving to and from Bangladesh.

Outlook

There is a potential development today, as the Honourable Advisor on Shipping is expected to visit Chittagong to meet with union representatives and key stakeholders. While this engagement offers a possible pathway toward resolution, no formal outcome or timeline has been confirmed at this stage.

We remain cautiously optimistic that this meeting may bring clarity; however, operations remain fully suspended until official confirmation of a resolution is received.

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 Operational Status

As at the time of this advisory:

• Vessel movements:
  • No vessels are permitted to berth or unberth
• Import cargo:
  • Import deliveries suspended
  • Port gates blocked
• Export cargo:
  • No export containers allowed to enter the terminal
• Off-dock depots (CFS):
  • Severe congestion
  • Export containers stuck at depots
  • Empty containers accumulating at depots and terminals

This has resulted in a full standstill of port operations.

Expected Impact

Customers should anticipate:

• Delays to vessel berthing and departure
• Missed cut-offs and reduced loading/discharge productivity
• Increased container dwell time at port and off-dock depots
• Revised ETAs/ETDs and potential service disruptions

Outlook

Government authorities are reportedly attempting to mediate and de-escalate the situation. Discussions with protestors are expected; however, no resolution has been confirmed at this stage.

We are monitoring developments hour-by-hour and will issue further updates as soon as:

• Port gates reopen, or
• The strike is formally called off.