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Continuous rainfall over the past two days has caused severe waterlogging at Benapole Land Port, Bangladesh’s largest land port, submerging imported goods in several storage sheds and disrupting normal operations, while traders blamed poor drainage and unplanned infrastructure for the recurring problem.
Heavy rain, which has persisted since Thursday afternoon, inundated at least five storage sheds near Gate No. 3 of the port, with water rising to knee level in some areas. The flooding partially submerged imported consignments, raising concerns over extensive financial losses for traders.
Port authorities have deployed high-capacity power pumps to drain the accumulated water, while officials and representatives of port users inspected the affected areas on Saturday to assess the damage.
Importers and business leaders alleged that despite significant investment in warehouses, yards and other port facilities over the years, the absence of an effective drainage system continues to leave the port vulnerable to waterlogging during the monsoon.
They said imported goods worth hundreds of crores of taka remain at risk whenever heavy rainfall occurs, causing repeated losses for businesses that rely on the country’s busiest land trade gateway.
According to traders, nearly 100 importers have suffered financial losses over the years after their goods were damaged by rainwater, with most receiving no compensation because the consignments are not covered by insurance.
They also criticised the authorities for failing to implement recommendations made by a committee formed to address the drainage problem, alleging that the committee has remained largely inactive.
Businessman Abdul Alim said the stagnant water has hampered the movement of trucks and workers inside the port, while rainwater entering warehouses has damaged valuable imported products.
“Port charges continue to increase every year, but there has been no corresponding improvement in infrastructure. Most facilities were built without proper long-term planning, which is why waterlogging returns during every monsoon,” he said.
Benapole Import-Export Association Vice-President Aminul Haque Anu echoed the criticism, attributing the crisis to poor planning and the lack of an efficient drainage network.
He noted that the government earns around Tk 10,000 crore annually in direct and indirect customs revenue through Benapole, making it disappointing that such a strategically important trade hub continues to experience the same drainage failures year after year.
Anu also alleged that traders have repeatedly informed the authorities about rainwater damaging imported goods, but no effective or lasting solution has yet been implemented.
Benapole Land Port Director Shamim Hossain acknowledged that prolonged rainfall had allowed water to enter several storage sheds, resulting in damage to some imported goods.
He said power pumps are operating continuously to remove the accumulated water, although persistent rainfall has slowed the drainage process.
The port director expressed hope that conditions would improve once the rain subsides and said the authorities are working on a permanent solution to prevent recurring waterlogging and better protect imported goods during future monsoon seasons.
