Chattogram:Nine containers filled with dangerous, expired chemicals that had been abandoned at Chattogram Port for nearly two decades were sent to Narayanganj on Saturday for destruction, officials said.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the hazardous materials were transported under special arrangements from Yard 8B, exiting through Gate No. 4, with supervision from both Chattogram Customs and the Chattogram Port Authority.
The chemicals are set to be destroyed at the Wata Chemicals Limited facility in Rupganj, Narayanganj. The shipment comprises one container of sulfuric acid, one container of nitric acid, five containers of methanol, and two containers of thinner.
Chattogram Customs Assistant Commissioner Russel Ahmed confirmed that these chemicals are specifically being transported to Narayanganj for disposal.
Port and customs sources revealed that the chemicals were originally imported 15 to 20 years ago as raw materials for various industrial factories. However, importers failed to clear the consignments on time due to lawsuits, legal entanglements, and administrative complications. Having remained at the port for years, the expired chemicals posed severe security and fire hazards.
Syed Mohammad Hamim, Secretary (Additional Charge) of the Chattogram Port Authority, stated that the containers were removed to eliminate extreme fire and security risks at the port. He also mentioned that while nine containers have been dispatched in the first phase, the remaining chemical containers stored at the port will be removed gradually in phases.