Eighteen container vessels are now waiting at the outer anchorage of Chittagong port as the Muslim's most significant religious celebration Eid-ul-Fitr continues, resulting in delayed loading and unloading of vessels. Hundreds more are expected to join the queue in the coming days.

Eid al-Fitr is the earlier of the two official holidays celebrated within Islam. The religious holiday is celebrated by Muslims worldwide because it marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan.

According to port statistics, 11 vessels were loading and unloading boxes at the port jetties on 4 May, while some vessels were waiting for berthing for five to six days.

The outer anchorage of the Chittagong port now has a total of 142 vessels.

According to officials, container loading and unloading were virtually halted on May 3rd as port staff gathered with their loved ones to celebrate the holiday.

Furthermore, import container handling has been reduced in recent days relative to the number of incoming vessels. As a result, a lengthy line of vessels has formed in Chittagong port's outer anchorage.

The scenario might last all week till the end of the holiday on May 8th.

Meanwhile, out of the total accommodation capacity of 49,018 TEU, 38,843 TEU were resting at the port yards today.

Since April 29, the passage of non-essential container-laden trucks across highways has been stopped to allow passenger vehicles' circulation as millions of people go to the countryside for Eid celebrations.

Furthermore, the manufacturing and warehouses have been shuttered since Friday. Moreover, most truck drivers took time off for the Eid holiday, causing major disruptions in cargo delivery. As a result, container deliveries from the port yard decreased dramatically.

"The next few weeks will be crucial for the Chittagong port because there will be a huge rush to release boxes from yards and warehouses," the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association member said.

He was concerned that the vessel backlog would not dissipate quickly since additional vessels are expected to arrive at the outer harbor in the coming days.