Chattogram Customs House has successfully completed the largest auction in its history, selling around 2,800 tonnes of unclaimed and auctionable goods through an electronic auction process, officials said.

The auction was conducted as part of a broader initiative to ease the persistent container congestion at Chattogram Port, mitigate associated security risks, ensure physical and financial safety, prevent wastage of state assets and enhance the overall operational efficiency of the country’s principal seaport.

Under this initiative, Chattogram Customs House has been regularly auctioning off unclaimed and auctionable consignments stored at its auction sheds.

As part of the ongoing drive, a long-stored consignment comprising ‘used dredger steel pipes, rubber hoses, fittings and accessories’ — weighing approximately 2,800 tonnes — was put up for sale through an e-auction.

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With a no-objection clearance from the Ministry of Commerce, the auction was conducted through the National Board of Revenue’s (NBR) official e-auction website.

The competitive bidding process took place on December 15, 2025, with a total of 13 bidders participating.

The consignment was finally sold at the highest bid of Tk 92.75 million. Following payment of the bid value along with applicable VAT and income tax, the total realised amount stood at Tk 115.94 million. On completion of all payments, the goods were released in favour of the successful bidder, customs officials said.

In terms of volume, officials said, the consignment marks the largest single auctioned cargo in the history of Chattogram Customs House.

The successful auction has significantly freed up space at the customs auction shed, contributing to improved yard management and smoother cargo handling at the port.

At the same time, the government has secured a substantial amount of revenue through the process, according to the officials.

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Customs authorities said regular disposal of unclaimed and auctionable goods through e-auction has been playing a vital role in maintaining normal port operations and reducing pressure on storage facilities.

Chattogram Customs House will continue its e-auction activities to ensure timely clearance of auctionable goods and sustain the efficiency of port operations, the officials added.