The containers hold 150.89 tonnes of sulphuric acid, nitric acid, methanol and thinner that have remained at the port for more than two decades.
Workers remove plastic drums of hazardous chemicals from Chattogram Port for environmentally compliant destruction in Narayanganj on 3 October 2026. Photo: TBS
“>
Workers remove plastic drums of hazardous chemicals from Chattogram Port for environmentally compliant destruction in Narayanganj on 3 October 2026. Photo: TBS
Nine containers carrying 150.89 tonnes of expired and unusable hazardous chemicals are being removed from Chattogram Port for environmentally compliant destruction in Narayanganj.
The removal began this morning (3 October) under an initiative by Customs House, Chattogram, to improve port safety and ease congestion caused by long-stored containers.
The containers hold 25.55 tonnes of sulphuric acid, 500kg of nitric acid, 92.54 tonnes of methanol and 32.30 tonnes of thinner.
Mohammad Russell Ahmed, assistant commissioner of Customs House, Chattogram, said the chemicals are being removed for safe destruction following recommendations from the Bangladesh National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention (BNACWC).
“The destruction of 150.89 tonnes of hazardous chemicals stored in nine containers for a long time has begun to ensure Chattogram port’s safety and reduce container congestion,” he said.
At around 10am today, vehicles carrying the chemicals left Chattogram port for Narayanganj under police escort, in the presence of members of the Customs destruction committee.
The chemicals will be destroyed through an environmentally friendly and legally compliant process by Wata Chemicals Ltd at Murapara in Rupganj, Narayanganj, according to the customs official.
The chemicals have remained at the port for more than two decades, raising safety and storage concerns while occupying valuable yard space.
The removal is being carried out through a coordinated initiative of the Customs House’s destruction committee and the BNACWC, he said.
The Chattogram Port Authority, Chattogram Metropolitan Police, district administration, Fire Service and Civil Defence, Border Guard Bangladesh, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Department of Explosives, Department of Environment and Ansar Battalion are assisting in the operation.
Customs officials said the chemicals would be transported and destroyed under necessary safety and regulatory measures to minimise risks during handling and disposal.
About The Author
