The National Board of Revenue (NBR) today ordered the authorities concerned to transfer all types of import-laden containers from Chattogram port to 19 private inland container depots (ICDs) in the district.

In an office order issued today, the NBR also asked the authorities concerned to store the containers from the port at the ICDs and make deliveries from there, our Chattogram staff correspondent reports.

The decision was taken following an acute container congestion at the port due to the ongoing countrywide shutdown due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The order will remain effective till June 30.

With the NBR decision, around 18,000 TEUs (twenty-feet equivalent units) of import-laden containers could be transferred to the private ICDs, said Shipping Ministry Secretary Md Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury.

While addressing a press briefing, he also informed the reporters that the problem of congestion would be solved temporarily with this order.

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury was also present at the briefing.

Till today, over 47,500 TEUs of import containers remained stranded at the port.