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Indian intelligence agencies are on high alert after Bangladesh’s Chittagong Port detected suspected radioactive material in six containers aboard cargo vessel MV Mount Cameron, which arrived on August 10 from Colombo.

According to intelligence sources in Bangladesh, the Hong Kong-flagged ship was carrying iron scrap loaded in Brazil. The six containers reportedly cleared Customs on August 3, but an alarm from the Radiation Detection System at Jetty No. 9 of the port’s General Cargo Berth (GCB) terminal was triggered on Sunday, indicating the presence of radioactive substances.

Bangladesh Shipping Ministry Adviser Brigadier (retd) Shakhwat Hossein, Matarbari Port Authority head Zakir Hossain, Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun were present at the port when the alarm went off.

 

The CPA immediately isolated the six containers and directed MV Mount Cameron to the outer harbour near Matarbari in Cox’s Bazar. The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) was informed for further inspection. The 135 tonnes of scrap metal in the containers were imported by Dhaka-based Al Aqsa Steel Mills Ltd. Customs House Chittagong later confirmed that the Megaport Initiative Radiation Detection System identified radioactive material. First- and second-stage examinations detected three radionuclide isotopes—thorium-232, radium-226 and iridium-192.

“While initial readings showed a radioactivity level of one microsievert—considered low—officials warned that the steel walls of the containers and the scrap metal inside could be masking actual levels. Further testing is awaited,” said sources in Bangladesh intelligence agencies.

The CPA tracked the vessel’s 30-day voyage, confirming it sailed from Brazil nearly a month ago with the six containers under an LCL (Less than Container Load) arrangement, stopping at the Netherlands and Sri Lanka’s Colombo port before reaching Chittagong. Officials expressed concern that no radiation alerts were triggered at either the Netherlands or Colombo ports. Indian security agencies are closely monitoring developments due to the ship’s route and the potential for cross-border security implications.

 

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