Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Chattogram Custom House for its slow progress in clearing auctionable goods and vehicles piled up in various yards and auction sheds at Chattogram port.

He warned that action would be taken if the customs authority does not address the issue in two months.

The adviser expressed his frustration during a visit to the port's auction and car sheds yesterday.

While there, he met with Chattogram Customs House Joint Commissioner Mohammad Marufur Rahman and questioned the lack of noticeable progress in clearing auctionable goods despite directions given during his initial visit three months prior.

In response, the customs official explained that several pending court cases are delaying the auction process for certain consignments.

However, Rahman assured the adviser that steps would be taken to expedite the auction of import containers and vehicles that are free of legal issues.

Speaking to journalists after the visit, the adviser said the condition of auctionable containers is nearly the same as it was during his first visit in early October.

"Although the customs authority has auctioned some goods during this period, the pace is extremely slow. At this rate, the backlog of auctionable cargo will not be cleared within the next three months."

He added that the customs authority has committed to clearing the backlog within the agreed upon deadline on February 28.

The adviser also warned that he has instructed the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) to take unilateral action against the customs authority if the deadline is not met.

CPA Secretary Md Omar Faruk noted that approximately 10,000 twenty-foot equivalent units of containers, scrap materials and a number of cars are lying in various yards and sheds awaiting auction.

This backlog is disrupting smooth port operations, he said.