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The removal of old and hazardous chemicals that had been lying at Chattogram Port for nearly two decades has finally begun, with nine containers carrying 106 tonnes of dangerous acids and acid-based products leaving for Narayanganj on Saturday morning.
The chemicals are being transported to Wata Chemicals Ltd in Rupganj, Narayanganj, for safe disposal, according to Chattogram Customs.
Sources at Chattogram Port and Customs said the container trucks left the port’s ABR yard under special security arrangements.
The hazardous chemicals had remained at the port for years due to various complications, including legal cases following their import and failure by importers to take delivery of the consignments.
According to Chattogram Customs, the nine containers sent in the first phase for destruction include one container of sulphuric acid, one of nitric acid, five of methanol and two of thinner.
Chattogram Customs Assistant Commissioner Md Russell Ahmed said the auction-ineligible hazardous chemicals were being sent to a factory in Narayanganj for disposal.
“Some 106 tonnes of chemicals in nine containers have been sent in the first phase. The chemicals will be destroyed at Wata Chemicals in a completely scientific and safe manner,” he said.