Ctg port begins clearing hazardous chemicals after two decades

The chemical-laden vehicles left the port's Yard 8B around noon on Saturday under heightened security, heading for Wata Chemicals in Rupganj, Narayanganj.

The first batch comprises one container of sulfuric and nitric acid, five containers of methanol and two containers of thinner, according to port sources. The chemicals are being transported to the facility for safe destruction.

The chemicals had remained at the port after being imported but not cleared for various reasons. Legal complications surrounding some of the consignments also contributed to the prolonged storage.

According to port sources, a total of 29 containers containing around 81 tonnes of chemicals have been stranded at the port for years.

The prolonged presence of the hazardous materials had become a significant security concern for the port, prompting government agencies to take initiatives to resolve the issue.

As part of the process, the first nine containers were removed from Chattogram Port on Saturday. The vehicles carrying the chemicals left Yard 8B under special security arrangements for Wata Chemicals in Rupganj, where the hazardous materials will be destroyed.