Heavy rainfall has caused severe waterlogging at Benapole Land Port, Bangladesh’s largest land port, submerging imported goods worth millions of taka and raising concerns over significant financial losses for importers.
Continuous rain since Thursday night inundated five storage sheds near Gate No. 3, with floodwater reaching knee-deep in some areas. Port authorities have deployed power pumps to drain the water, but uninterrupted rainfall has slowed the operation.
Port users blamed the recurring problem on inadequate drainage infrastructure, alleging that despite extensive development of sheds and yards, even moderate rainfall regularly leaves imported goods underwater.
Md. Emdadul Haque, General Secretary of the Benapole Customs C&F Agents Association, said traders had repeatedly warned authorities about poor drainage but their concerns were ignored. He claimed around 100 importers now face substantial losses, adding that many affected goods are uninsured, leaving businesses with little chance of compensation.
Businessman Alhaj Matiar Rahman said waterlogging has disrupted port operations and damaged goods stored in several warehouses. He criticized the lack of infrastructure improvements despite increased port charges, blaming unplanned construction for the recurring flooding during the monsoon season.
Aminul Haque Anu, Vice President of the Benapole Importers and Exporters Association, said the same situation occurs every year due to inadequate drainage and poor planning. He noted that while the government earns nearly Tk 100 billion in annual revenue from the country’s largest land port, long-standing infrastructure problems remain unresolved, causing repeated losses to traders.
Benapole Land Port Deputy Director Kazi Ratan acknowledged that imported goods in several sheds had been affected by the flooding. He said water is being pumped out continuously and expressed hope that conditions would improve once the rain subsides. He added that authorities are also working on a long-term solution to eliminate waterlogging at the port.
