Chattogram Port, Bangladesh’s main seaport, has suspended all operations for 48 hours from this morning due to the national election and a simultaneous referendum scheduled for February 12.

An office order signed by the port authority’s traffic director said the closure, from 8 am on February 11 to 8 am on February 13, is intended to facilitate voters and the electoral process.

The closure covers all operational sites including the port’s main area, as well as the Pangaon Inland Container Terminal in Dhaka and the Dhaka Inland Container Depot.

Critical commercial operations will continue partially under special provisions. Handling of goods from ships or lighters may proceed with prior approval from customs and port authorities and payment of additional charges, specifically for essential items such as food and relief materials. Parties must notify the traffic director or designated officers in advance.

To maintain import, export, and banking functions, banks authorised by Chittagong Port Authority — including Sonali, Janata, and One Bank — have been asked to remain open with necessary staffing. Relevant sections of the Customs House and all private depots are also required to stay operational.

The port authority further instructed that staffing and booking arrangements at Pangaon and Dhaka inland depots be sufficient to maintain internal port operations and traffic management.