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CHATTOGRAM, Aug 31, 2026 (BSS)- Chattogram Custom House has so far destroyed 88 containers of expired, low-quality and unusable goods as part of a drive to dispose of 126 containers of un-auctionable goods stored at the port.

The destruction began on August 24 at a designated site behind the Republic Club of Chattogram Port, where a large pit was excavated for the disposal of the goods in an environmentally safe manner.

Russell Ahmed, assistant commissioner of Chattogram Custom House, confirmed the matter to journalists, saying the goods were being destroyed in accordance with relevant regulations and with approval from the competent authorities.

"Ten containers were destroyed on the first day and 23 on the second day, while a total of 88 containers have been destroyed over the past week," he said.

The 126 containers contain around 3,268 tonnes of un-auctionable, expired and unusable goods, including 935 tonnes of dates in 34 containers and 1,020 tonnes of expired soda ash in 40 containers.

The goods also include 18 containers of expired feed-grade limestone, eight containers of expired bentonite powder, rotten oranges, spoiled onions, spoiled cashew nuts and other food products.

According to customs sources, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has undertaken the initiative to dispose of the goods, which had remained at the port for an extended period.

A joint team comprising members of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar and port police is assisting the customs authorities in ensuring the safety of the operation, sources said.

Earlier on August 6, five containers containing 'Royal Tiger Energy Drink' and personal care products, including shampoo, were destroyed by crushing them with rollers at the customs auction shed of the port.

The NBR expects the disposal of the expired and hazardous goods to help ease container congestion at Chattogram Port.

Customs authorities said the destruction of un-auctionable and perishable goods would continue on an urgent basis with the cooperation of relevant agencies, ensuring safety and environmental protection.

Under the existing procedure, imported goods are required to be cleared within 30 days of their arrival at the port yard. If an importer fails to collect the goods, a notice is issued, and the goods may be auctioned if they remain unclaimed for 15 days after the notice.

If the goods remain unsold at auction or become expired, the authorities take steps to destroy them in the public interest and for health and safety reasons.

Russell Ahmed said a committee comprising representatives of different government agencies determines which goods are eligible for destruction.

He said prolonged storage of refrigerated containers also requires continuous electricity supply, resulting in unnecessary power consumption and keeping shipping agents' containers occupied.

"Once the goods are destroyed, the shipping agents can reclaim the empty containers," he added.