Bangladesh’s logistics sector is facing growing pressure as the gap between container imports and exports reached a record 329,996 TEUs in FY26, leading to a sharp increase in empty container congestion at inland container depots (ICDs) and Chattogram Port. The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has urged the government to allow shipping lines to store empty containers at non-bonded facilities, arguing that current regulations are worsening congestion and reducing space for export cargo. Industry experts note that the country’s persistent trade imbalance, coupled with the low commercial incentive for shipping lines to reposition empty containers, is delaying container movement and straining logistics operations. They have called for regulatory reforms, improved coordination among stakeholders, better tracking of empty container movements, and stronger export growth to ease congestion and improve overall supply chain efficiency.