Chaotic conditions across Bangladesh, stemming from political unrest, are impacting the supply chain from the world’s third-largest exporter of clothing. 

According to Splash247.com, some 50 ships are queuing in a 25 nautical mile stretch outside Chattogram port, also known as Chittagong, which handles more than 90% of Bangladesh’s international trade. Many ships are now forced to wait in the Bay of Bengal for upwards of a week. 

TheLoadstar.com also reported August 6 that clothing factories have been shuttered for two days, with the customs process all but suspended, and exports forced almost to a halt. 

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association said August 6 that the sector — the nation’s prime foreign currency earner — had already incurred losses of some $270m.

The slowdown has been attributed to the ongoing student-led protests and the political turmoil that has gripped the country. On August 5, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India.