Skip to content

Chattogram Customs House breaks auction records with 2,800-tonne sale

Unclaimed steel pipes and rubber hoses became a windfall for Bangladesh. Discover how this record-breaking e-auction transformed port operations overnight.

The image shows a small white box with a small piece of paper next to it on a black surface. The...
The image shows a small white box with a small piece of paper next to it on a black surface. The paper has text on it, and there are two coins on the left side of the box. The text on the paper reads "Eulota shakypelasus innominata, hde bowerly & sullon, 1915 changyang".

Chattogram Customs House breaks auction records with 2,800-tonne sale

Chattogram Customs House has completed its largest auction in history, selling around 2,800 tonnes of unclaimed goods. The electronic auction, held on January 29, 2026, attracted 13 bidders and generated significant revenue for the government. Commissioner Salim Reza oversaw the process, marking a major step in managing port congestion.

The auction involved a consignment of used dredger steel pipes, rubber hoses, fittings, and accessories. Weighing approximately 2,800 tonnes, it was the largest single cargo ever auctioned by Chattogram Customs House. The sale took place through the National Board of Revenue's (NBR) official e-auction website.

Thirteen bidders took part, with the highest bid reaching Tk 92.75 million. After accounting for VAT and income tax, the total realised amount was Tk 115.94 million. The auction not only boosted government revenue but also freed up much-needed space at the customs auction shed.

This initiative was part of a broader effort to ease container congestion at Chattogram Port. By clearing unclaimed goods, the customs house improved yard management and cargo handling efficiency. Officials confirmed that e-auction activities would continue to ensure timely clearance of similar goods in the future.

The auction successfully reduced port congestion while generating substantial revenue. The cleared space will help streamline operations at Chattogram Customs House. Future e-auctions are planned to maintain efficiency in handling unclaimed cargo.

Read also: