Container transportation through Bangladesh's largest seaport Chattogram could face significant disruption this week after the Chattogram Prime Mover and Flatbed Owners Association announced a 48-hour transport strike.
The work stoppage is scheduled to begin at 06:00 local time on 21 July 2026 and continue until 06:00 local time on 23 July 2026, affecting the movement of import and export containers transported by prime movers and flatbed trucks to and from Chattogram Port.
According to the association, the strike is being organised in protest against a recent increase in the Advance Income Tax (AIT) applied to container and cargo transportation activities. The association stated that the tax increase, combined with unresolved industry concerns previously raised with authorities, has prompted operators to suspend transportation services for two days.
Potential Impact on Supply Chains
The strike is expected to impact:
- Import container pickups from Chattogram Port
- Export container deliveries to port terminals
- Inland transportation of containerized cargo
- Movements between port facilities, depots, and warehouses
As Chattogram handles the majority of Bangladesh's containerised trade, shippers may experience delays, congestion at terminals and inland container depots, and potential backlogs following the resumption of operations.
The association has called on transport owners and drivers to support the action while maintaining discipline and compliance with applicable regulations during the protest period. The organisation also indicated that further measures could be considered if its demands remain unresolved.
The 48-hour suspension of container trucking operations has the potential to temporarily disrupt cargo flows through Chattogram Port, particularly for time-sensitive imports and exports. Recovery from any resulting backlog may extend beyond the official strike period.
