BM Container Depot in Chittagong, where a devastating fire and repeated blasts of chemical-laden containers in early June killed nearly 50 people and injured several hundred, resumed operations last week.
Two and half months after the deadly incident, the inland container depot has now given permission only to handle empty boxes. However, no permission has been given so far on handling export and import containers at the depot.
The customs authority gave the depot owners conditions like getting no objection certificates from the department of environment, fire service and civil dense, and the department of explosives.
Additionally, the depot will have to sign a memorandum of understanding with the nearest fire control station within 15 days of resuming operation.
As the depot has received permission, empty containers are now being stored there from different factory premises as well as port yards. Similarly, containers are being sent from the depot to the port, said an official.
Presently, 130 TEU export cargo-laden containers have remained stuck at the depot, and the authority is setting up required safety arrangements to comply with the directives given by various enforcing agencies, especially the fire service authority.
Sharar Nayel
Asia Correspondent
