No one could have predicted how devastating and powerful the pandemic would become. The pandemic has changed the face of global trade, lifestyle, and politics in just a few months. Lockdowns and declarations of emergency in numerous countries have had little effect on the death toll. Ambulances, sirens, and masks have become part of our daily routine. However, the operation of Chattogram port, on the other hand, was not halted for a moment. It has been possible due to the outstanding display of commitment and excellent team work shown by the port employees. The cover article of this issue detailed Chattogram port’s experience during the COVID-19 epidemic and how it has fought back since the beginning.
As the country’s economic activity have grown, the number of ships arriving at Chattogram port has increased, owing to robust import and export. Chattogram port, the country’s main seaport, has expanded its port of call in response to escalating demand. The outer anchorage has been expanded to satisfy future demands of the country’s commercial zones, which include the Matarbari deep sea port. In addition to consistently growing its capacity in product handling, Chattogram port is working directly to increase the capacity of terminal operators, berth operators, and ship handling operators. At the port jetty, containerised goods are handled by berth and terminal operators, while ship handling operators are in charge of the entire outer anchorage. In this issue, we have a special feature on ship handling operators, who are the men who work at Chattogram port’s outer anchorage.
Md. Mizanur Rahman, a Chattogram port engineer, and his mother both died of COVID-19. Afroza Bithi, his wife, has experienced two such horrific events in a row. She also got infected with COVID-19 along with her three children. The relatives were unable to attend to offer any consolation due to the risk of infection. Afroza Bithi recalls those dreadful days in the ‘Port Community’ section of this issue.
In addition, the ‘News Bytes’ section will keep you up to date on all of the major maritime events and developments that occurred in the third quarter of this year.
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