[🇧🇩] Sea Ports/Air Ports/River Ports/Bridges/Mega Projects

[Saif]

Govt not giving port to anyone rather wants to renovate it: Shafiqul

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam today said the government is not giving Chattogram Port to anyone rather it wants to renovate it. “The government wanted that the world's biggest companies can manage the Chattogram Port. We are not giving the port to anyone. We want them (

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Govt not giving port to anyone rather wants to renovate it: Shafiqul

Published :
May 25, 2025 22:20
Updated :
May 25, 2025 23:57

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam today said the government is not giving Chattogram Port to anyone rather it wants to renovate it.

“The government wanted that the world's biggest companies can manage the Chattogram Port. We are not giving the port to anyone. We want them (foreign companies) to invest in the terminal and manage it. We have already received assurances from foreign investors that they will invest $3 billion,” he told an event of the Capital Market Journalists Forum (CMJF) at its office in Paltan in the capital, BSS reports.

Shafiqul said: “In a country like Bangladesh we are talking about one port and a few terminals. Many countries have 20-30 such port terminals. So we have to strengthen it. That is the challenge.”

He said the interim government is working for reforms, judicial processes and elections as economic reforms are underway.

After the reforms, the economic situation will improve, he hoped.

“We are trying to create a broader economic platform where our Bangladeshi economy takes off. If the growth of the economy takes off, then its impact will be felt on the stock market. If the overall economic situation is very good, it is expected that the Bangladeshi stock market will rise to a new height very quickly,” he said.

About the national elections, the press secretary said national elections will be held by June 30 next year.

Turning to capital market, he said it has become a den of robbers as small investors here have only been victims of fraud and lost their capital.

Those who took responsibility for the reform of the capital market in the past, they always served interests of a group, he said.

Referring to the meeting of the Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus on the capital market, he said, for this reason, the chief adviser has given importance to bringing in foreign experts who know how to globally reform the share market and bring it to global standards.

“A three-month timeline has been given for this. They will come within three months and tell us what is needed to do in the share market and accordingly, action will be taken very quickly,” he said.

As a result, the capital market of Bangladesh will not be held hostage by any group, Shafiqul Alam said.

Stating that the banking sector is being pulled out of the hole, the press secretary said, "Our banking system was very weak. Everything was in a state of ruin. From there, we are trying to pull the banking system out of a hole and raise it to the mountain."

He said, "The currency has been floated for two weeks. But the currency has not depreciated. This indicates that the reforms are giving a good signal."

Stating that increasing foreign investment will have a positive impact on the capital market, Shafiqul Alam said, "If we can get foreign investment right, bring it in a lot, and the macro economy is fine, then we think it will have an impact on the capital market. The capital market is bound to grow well."

He said, "Another issue is to reduce inflation. This was a huge challenge for us. We have increased interest rates, now it is probably more than 10 percent, after doing that, we see that inflation has started to decrease. Our hope, which our central bank governor has said, is to bring inflation down to 5 percent by the end of this year."

He said, "Foreign investment has started coming. In June, you will see that about 150 Chinese investors are coming to Bangladesh, led by a commerce minister. If the Chinese come to Bangladesh, the job growth that we want will be very fast."

Stating that dividing the NBR into two was the government's priority, he said, "Our tax collection was always low. This is because we gave a lot of tax exemptions and the tax collection system was very inefficient. The government has given a lot of focus on this area. In that light, the NBR has been divided into two. As a result of this, we think that tax collection will increase."

CMJF President Golam Samdani Bhuiyan presided over the program, which was moderated by General Secretary Abu Ali.​

 

[Saif]

Planning Adviser stresses Ctg port's potential as 'strategic trade hub'

Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud has underscored the potential of Chittagong Port as a strategic hub for trade and commerce for regions, especially for India's northeastern region. He said the port could facilitate the export of goods from that area while also enabling the import of raw ma

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Planning Adviser stresses Ctg port's potential as 'strategic trade hub'

FE REPORT
Published :
May 27, 2025 00:56
Updated :
May 27, 2025 00:56

Planning Adviser Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud speaks at a seminar on "Economic Corridor and Logistics Development in Bangladesh: Investment Opportunities" at a city hotel on Monday, with International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh (ICCB) President Mahbubur Rahman in the chair. — FE Photo

Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud has underscored the potential of Chittagong Port as a strategic hub for trade and commerce for regions, especially for India's northeastern region.

He said the port could facilitate the export of goods from that area while also enabling the import of raw materials, which could be processed in Bangladesh for further export.

However, he revealed that the budget the interim government is going to present soon cannot include aspirational projects people expect as most of the development budget is going to nearly 1,200 inherited projects which could not be abandoned half-done despite their poor feasibility status.

He came up with the comments and observations at a seminar on Economic Corridor and Logistics Development in Bangladesh: Investment Opportunities organized jointly by International Chamber of Commerce- Bangladesh (ICC Bangladesh) and Asian development Bank (ADB) at Hotel Sheraton in the capital.

Speaking as chief guest, he said Chittagong port is an asset and could be utilised not only for the country but for the region as well.

"The northeastern states of India are rich in natural resources like bamboo and cane. These can be exported through Chittagong Port. What's more, those raw materials can be processed in the Chittagong Economic Zone and then exported, benefiting both countries."

However, he cautioned that a conducive geopolitical environment is essential for this vision to materialise.

"Favorable geopolitics foster favorable geo-economics," he remarked, adding that if such conditions are achieved, Bangladesh could assume a highly advantageous position in the region.

"That's why we're planning and undertaking projects centered on Chittagong Port."

The advisor stressed the importance of enhancing internal connectivity before pursuing transnational corridors.

"Improved communication with neighbouring countries is important, but we must first upgrade our domestic infrastructure. That said we cannot afford to waste resources on unviable projects."

Mahmud expressed concern over the current state of the development budget.

"This year's development budget includes around 1,200 projects-98 to 99 percent of which are inherited from the previous government. These projects are consuming our resources, leaving limited room for new initiatives or increased allocations in other sectors."

He noted that many of these projects were flawed and required corrective measures.

"We've restructured some, but if a road is already half-built, we can't just abandon it and redirect the funds to education or health which are hungry for allocation actually. That's why we couldn't take up the kind of new development projects people were expecting from the interim government."

He also criticised the lack of proper scrutiny in past project approvals. Citing the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project from Gazipur to Dhaka airport as an example, he said, "The project is reportedly 95-98 per cent complete, but the design was fundamentally flawed. Initially budgeted at Tk 30 billion, it now needs another Tk 30 billion to fix those errors."

Mahmud mentioned other problematic projects, such as the Dhaka-Bhanga expressway built via the Padma Bridge. "It's a world-class road, but it ends in a region with limited onward connectivity. While the Padma Bridge has eased transport across the river, the high construction costs have yet to yield significant private investment in the surrounding areas."

Speaking as chair, President of ICC Bangladesh Mahbubur Rahman said the case for economic corridor development is no longer inspirational. "It is urgent, evidence-based, and actionable."

He stated that if implemented effectively, the corridor could increase the region's combined output from $32 billion in 2020 to $286 billion by 2050 under a business-induced scenario (BIS), and generate up to 71.8 million jobs over the same period.

Mr Rahman emphasised that regulatory reforms, digitised customs processes, and strategic partnerships with regional and multilateral institutions - particularly the ADB - are positioning Bangladesh as a key player in South Asia's evolving trade landscape.

"ICC Bangladesh stands ready to support this agenda," he said, noting the institution's role in bridging the private sector with the global policy community.

He said the economic corridor envisions transforming 14 districts by linking manufacturing hubs in Khulna and Jessore to Sylhet and Mymensingh, covering nearly 34 percent of the national population.

"This is not just about infrastructure - it's about uplifting communities long left behind," he added.

Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, special assistant to the Chief Adviser at the Ministry of Finance, suggested that Bangladesh could draw valuable lessons from the transformative economic journeys of South Korea, the People's Republic of China, and Japan, particularly in their successful transition from poverty to prosperity.

He emphasised the need to synergise both financial and social capital to ensure Bangladesh fully benefits from its LDC graduation.​

 

[Saif]

How Bangladesh should ensure strategic port management

Recently, public debate has intensified over the government’s decision to bring in foreign operators to manage key ports.

www.thedailystar.net

How Bangladesh should ensure strategic port management

The question of who controls our ports must rise above partisan politics. File photo: STAR

The journey toward sustainable development in Bangladesh is deeply linked with the strategic management of its land, sea, and air ports. In recent weeks, public debate has intensified over the government's decision to bring in foreign operators to manage key ports. In an era where globalisation is reshaping geopolitical realities, Bangladesh must re-evaluate how it governs these critical national assets. It is no longer just about infrastructure expansion; it is about how strategically, transparently, and efficiently we operate them for the betterment of the country keeping the security uncompromised.

Historically viewed as channels for imports and exports, ports today hold a far more complex identity as instruments of global competitiveness and a tool for diplomacy whereas security is seen as an important component. Bangladesh's major maritime gateways, Chittagong, Mongla, and Payra, and airport gateway like Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) are increasingly caught in the crosscurrents of regional power interests. Major regional powers including China, India, Japan, and the United States have each expressed varying levels of interest in port operations, among others.

This reality presents Bangladesh with a critical dual-edged challenge: how to modernise port infrastructure through foreign collaboration while preserving strategic sovereignty. Striking this balance is not optional. It is imperative.

While foreign partnerships promise greater efficiency and investment, they might also pose risks of undue influence, particularly if not carefully regulated. Strategic autonomy must be the cornerstone of port policy. Welcoming foreign investment requires robust regulatory oversight, clear contractual safeguards, and regular audits. Growth must not come at the cost of sovereignty.

With regards to airports, they are vital to Bangladesh's economic and strategic architecture. Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka, the primary air gateway, has long been plagued by mismanagement, from baggage delays to poor customer service. However, the construction of the third terminal, co-financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is a promising shift. A Japanese consortium reportedly is set to operate the terminal.

On the other hand, operations at Chattogram Port, which handles around 90 percent of Bangladesh's maritime trade and ranks 64th globally by container throughput, still remain inefficient. Container handling times are higher than global average, and outdated logistics infrastructure, alongside syndicate control and political interference, continues to drag down performance. However, any foreign or local partnership with regard to port operations must be vetted against national interests, with efficiency and integrity as the guiding principles. What's needed is institutional transparency and professionalism.

Regarding land ports, Benapole, Hili, Akhaura, and Burimari are crucial conduits for regional trade, particularly with India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. In FY 2023–24, trade with India alone reached nearly $14.01 billion, and 40 percent of the trade takes place through land ports.

Yet these facilities suffer from operational inefficiencies, irregular customs practices, and rising security threats, particularly along the Myanmar border. Port governance here must be a joint exercise involving customs, home affairs, and defence, anchored in national security priorities.

The politics of port governance

The question of who controls our ports must rise above partisan politics. Strategic infrastructure management demands national consensus and long-term vision. Overdependence on any single factor, whether it is foreign or local, can compromise our national interest. Diversifying partnerships, across Europe, Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia, can spread risk, attract broader investment, and maintain diplomatic balance. The presence of reputable global operators often boosts investor confidence, but their engagement must serve our national interests. To secure both economic gains and national security, port governance must be reimagined through the following core priorities.

i) Firstly, ports must operate with modern logistics systems to reduce costs, improve turnaround times, and enhance global competitiveness. Reviewing successful global models can offer insights into operational excellence; ii) national security must not be compromised in pursuit of investment. Legal safeguards, ownership control, and policy independence are critical when engaging foreign operators; iii) investment in automation, digital tracking, and AI-based logistics is essential. A tech-savvy workforce and infrastructure upgrade will future-proof Bangladesh's ports.

In addition, iv) development must include environmental safeguards and benefit port-adjacent communities. Job creation, displacement management, and eco-friendly practices should be embedded in planning; v) outdated or fragmented legal frameworks must be replaced with streamlined laws aligned with international standards to attract credible investors and improve operational efficiency; and lastly vi) policies must be shaped through a collaborative process involving political parties, government agencies, business leaders, and civil society to ensure transparency and broad-based ownership.

Ports are no longer peripheral, rather, they are central to Bangladesh's economic trajectory, geopolitical relevance, and national dignity. Their management must reflect this reality. It is time for Bangladesh to approach port governance with unity, strategic foresight, and a commitment to sovereign progress. Through balanced, transparent, and autonomous leadership, we can anchor our future firmly in the national interest while navigating the global tides.

Alauddin Mohammad is joint member secretary of National Citizen Party (NCP) and executive director at Institute of Policy, Governance and Development (IPGAD).​

 

[Saif]

Ctg port lease: economic rationale, strategic concerns

Bangladesh interim government's decision to lease out the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chittagong Port to Dubai-based global logistics company DP World has ignited a nationwide debate and raised significant concerns. While the government argues that the move will enhance efficiency, attr

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Ctg port lease: economic rationale, strategic concerns

Golam Rasul
Published :
May 30, 2025 23:48
Updated :
May 30, 2025 23:48

Bangladesh interim government's decision to lease out the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chittagong Port to Dubai-based global logistics company DP World has ignited a nationwide debate and raised significant concerns. While the government argues that the move will enhance efficiency, attract foreign investment, and modernise logistics at the terminal, critics raised concern about foreign oversight in key strategic locations and warned that it could compromise national regulatory oversight, weaken safeguard mechanisms, and expose Bangladesh to the risks of future conflict over a national strategic asset.

Chittagong Port serves as Bangladesh's primary maritime gateway. It handles over 92 per cent of the country's foreign trade and processing over 3 million twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEUs) annually. It plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth flow of essential goods, including food supplies, oil, and other strategically important commodities.

The NCT at Chittagong Port, recently developed with modern infrastructure and equipment, plays a vital role in facilitating Bangladesh's international trade. With five Jetties, this is well-equipped, fully operational and capable of handling Ocean going large container vessels. The terminal was designed to handle 1.1 million TEUs annually. Today, it operates at over 1.3 million TEUs, exceeding its intended capacity and contributing over Tk 1,000 crore to national revenue. With the terminal already over performing under local management, many argue that foreign control over such a vital asset-located next to a major naval base-poses a national security risk. This situation raises a fundamental question: how logical is the decision of handing over NCT to a foreign operator?

There is no doubt that Chittagong Port requires urgent modernisation and automation to improve efficiency and remain regionally competitive. While its capacity and operational performance have shown gradual improvement, the port still lags behind key regional hubs-particularly in areas such as vessel turnaround time, cargo clearance, and congestion management. According to UNCTAD's Port Performance Report, the average vessel turnaround time at Chittagong Port is around 3-4 days, compared to just 12-24 hours in Singapore and 24-36 hours in Colombo. Similarly, cargo clearance in Bangladesh takes 7 to 10 days, far exceeding the 2-3 days typical in high-performing ports. These inefficiencies not only delay trade flows but also significantly erode Bangladesh's export competitiveness. In fact, port congestion and logistics-related delays are estimated to increase export costs by 10-15 per cent, undermining the country's position in global markets.

Although official confirmation is not available, newspaper reports suggest that the lease of NCT to DP World is being structured as a government-to-government (G2G) agreement, bypassing an open tender or competitive bidding process. The lack of competition limits Bangladesh's options, potentially restricting the ability to negotiate more favourable terms and maintain robust regulatory oversight. This approach aligns with the precedent set by the Hasina government, which favoured direct negotiations over public bidding for large infrastructure projects. Thus, questions arise as to why the Interim Government is following the same path, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

In fact, it does not matter whether it is the Hasina Government or the Yunus Government; this is a hallmark of neoliberal economic policy, which emphasises privatisation, globalisation, and the free movement of capital. Due to the influence of corporate power and vested interests, many developing countries are pressured to open their markets to multinational corporations and even transfer the management of strategic assets to these global entities. Institutions such as the World Bank, IMF, IFC, and WTO have played a central role in advancing and implementing the neoliberal agenda worldwide. We should not be surprised if, in the future, our Dhaka International Airport is leased out to a foreign company to improve efficiency.

The key question is whether leasing out the terminal to a foreign company is the only way to improve efficiency. A port operates within a complex and integrated ecosystem, where performance is shaped by a combination of interrelated factors such as infrastructure quality, operational capacity, container handling procedures, terminal operating systems, the efficiency of customs clearance, and labour relations. Enhancing port performance, therefore, requires a holistic strategy of the government that addresses the entire system.

Port performance is influenced not only by operations and management but also by geographic and physical characteristics. Chittagong Port is situated along the Karnaphuli River on a narrow strip of land, with a draught of approximately 9.5 meters-limiting access for larger vessels. In addition to shallow depth, the river's narrow width, sharp curvature, and tidal fluctuations further restrict vessel movement and contribute to longer turnaround times. Given these physical limitations, Chittagong Port may not be able to match the operational efficiency of ports like Singapore or Colombo. Nonetheless, significant improvements are still possible through an integrated approach-enhancing terminal operating systems, streamlining customs clearance processes, improving labour relations, and upgrading the logistics infrastructure.

Customs clearance is a major contributor to shipment delays and prolonged vessel turnaround times. According to the National Board of Revenue (NBR), it currently takes an average of 7 to 10 days to clear a vessel through customs. Streamlining and modernising customs procedures is a low-hanging fruit-an area where significant gains in efficiency can be achieved with relatively modest investment and within a short period. Without addressing inefficiencies in the national customs clearance system, simply leasing the terminal to a foreign company is unlikely to yield the desired improvements in overall port performance.

The Bangladesh government's decision to hire Saudi operator Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) to manage the Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) has raised concerns about the effectiveness of foreign-operated terminals and the risks of profit repatriation from Bangladesh. Initially projected to handle 500,000 TEUs annually, PCT has significantly underperformed, processing only 178 TEUs per day on average due to delays in procuring critical operational equipment, particularly gantry cranes, forcing reliance on less efficient ship-mounted cranes. Its underperformance also raises broader concerns about foreign-run port operations, particularly in terms of efficiency, investment commitments, and long-term financial implications for Bangladesh.

In addition, global experiences indicate that outsourcing port operations to foreign companies does not always result in favourable results. A notable example is the Doraleh Container Terminal in Djibouti, which was leased to DP World under a 50-year concession agreement in 2006. In 2018, the Djibouti government unilaterally terminated the lease, citing national security concerns and the need for greater sovereign control over its critical maritime infrastructure. This decision led to a protracted legal dispute, with DP World challenging the termination in the London Court of International Arbitration. The court declared Djibouti's actions unlawful and ordered the government to either reinstate DP World's rights or provide financial compensation of approximately $686.5 million. This case highlights the potential legal, financial, and sovereignty-related risks that can arise from long-term foreign control of strategic national assets.

A lease arrangement involves transferring control of a strategic asset for a defined period in exchange for periodic payments, commonly referred to as rent. Beyond simple possession, such agreements often grant the lessee significant authority over how the asset is utilised, including discretionary decisions on operations, access, and investment priorities. This shift in control can have far-reaching implications, particularly when the leased asset is of national or strategic importance.

Chittagong Port is one of Bangladesh's most valuable national assets, and any major decision-such as leasing it to a foreign company for operation-must be approached with careful deliberation. Due to its location along key international shipping routes in the Bay of Bengal, the port holds not only commercial value but also critical strategic significance. While leasing the port may improve operational efficiency and attract foreign investment, it also raises serious concerns, particularly potential compromise of strategic control over vital strategic resources and potential future conflicts and security risks.

The experiences of Djibouti, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan's Gwadar Port highlight the possible risks of renting out vital infrastructure to foreign companies. Such decisions should not be made hastily and should be preceded by broad national consultation and consensus-especially at a time when an elected government is not in place. The stake is not merely the future of a container terminal but the broader question of how Bangladesh should safeguard and manage its strategic assets in an increasingly complex geopolitical and economic environment. While port modernisation and operational efficiency are important goals, they must not come at the cost of economic sovereignty or increase the risk of future conflicts.

Golam Rasul PhD is Professor, Department of Economics, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), Dhaka, Bangladesh.​

 

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Dhaka Airport 3rd terminal current status

 

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[Saif]

More power to Dr. Yunus and Japan

 

[Saif]

Prof Yunus seeks public support for port reforms

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday called upon the people of the country to continue their strong support for the interim government’s port management reform initiative, stressing that they envision Bangladesh as a key economic hub in South Asia. “We envision Bangladesh a

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Prof Yunus seeks public support for port reforms

UNB
Published :
Jun 06, 2025 22:43
Updated :
Jun 06, 2025 22:43

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday called upon the people of the country to continue their strong support for the interim government’s port management reform initiative, stressing that they envision Bangladesh as a key economic hub in South Asia.

“We envision Bangladesh as a key economic hub in South Asia. To achieve this, we are not only boosting investment services but also expanding the capacity of our ports,” he said uurging all citizens not to fall victim to baseless opposition and misinformation.

In a televised speech to the nation, Prof Yunus said, “Stay united in your support for the government’s efforts to reform port management and resist those who seek to undermine it.”

Reflecting on the country’s progress since independence in 1971, Professor Yunus noted that Bangladesh has not yet reached the level of economic advancement it deserves.

Failure to modernise the ports, he warned, would perpetuate the country’s unemployment crisis and stall economic development.

Addressing public speculation regarding the Chittagong Port, Professor Yunus said, “There have been rumors that the port is being handed over to foreign entities. Let me be clear—Chittagong Port is the heart of Bangladesh’s economy. Currently, this heart is weak. We must strengthen and modernise it if we are to move the economy forward.”

He emphasised that transforming the port requires a series of strategic actions and collaboration with global experts.

The interim government, he said, is working with leading international port operators from Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East to bring world-class expertise to Bangladesh.

“These firms manage ports across the globe—in countries like Canada, Australia, China, South Korea, India, Pakistan, Turkey, and beyond. Our goal is to learn from them and develop our own capabilities. I am confident that if we begin now, by 2031 we will be well-equipped, and by 2036, Bangladeshis will be managing ports around the world,” he said.

Professor Yunus said many employment opportunities will open up for Bangladeshis both at home and abroad as a result of this knowledge transfer.

“Soon, wherever you go—to ports across the world—you will find people from Chittagong, Noakhali, Sylhet and Barishal working there. Our people will be globally recognised for their expertise,” he said.

Prof Yunus also highlighted the broader regional impact of modernised Bangladeshi ports. “Once upgraded, our ports won’t just serve Bangladesh—they will become vital to the economies of our neighbors, including Nepal and Bhutan,” he noted.

The Chief Adviser envisioned the entire coastal region—from Kumira to Teknaf—emerging as a major economic zone, with new industrial hubs and modern infrastructure driven by port efficiency and sea access.

“This transformation will also give rise to a new industry: modern fish farming, harvesting, and processing. This will create a whole new economic frontier,” he said.

Professor Yunus assured the public that national sovereignty and security will remain intact, stating, “Nowhere in the world has the involvement of international port operators compromised a country’s sovereignty or security.”​

 

[Saif]

Chattogram Port surpasses FY24 container handling rates despite multiple setbacks

With 15 days remaining in the 2024-25 fiscal year, container handling at Chattogram Port has surpassed the total volume handled in the previous year, overcoming the dollar crisis, LC complications, and floods. In FY25, a total of over 3.17 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of import and e

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Chattogram Port surpasses FY24 container handling rates despite multiple setbacks

bdnews24.com
Published :
Jun 16, 2025 22:33
Updated :
Jun 16, 2025 22:33

With 15 days remaining in the 2024-25 fiscal year, container handling at Chattogram Port has surpassed the total volume handled in the previous year, overcoming the dollar crisis, LC complications, and floods.

In FY25, a total of over 3.17 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of import and export containers have been handled at Bangladesh’s main seaport.

In comparison, the total container handling in FY24 stood at over 3.16 million TEUs. Precisely speaking, that is 3,089 more containers handled this fiscal year, with two weeks to spare.

In FY23, the port handled 3 million TEUs.

A port official told bdnews24.com that despite disruptions caused by the July Uprising, prolonged floods, extended Eid holidays, a customs officers’ work strike, and a transport strike, this year’s container volume has already surpassed the previous fiscal year.

If the current trend continues, the handling volume may reach 3.3 million TEUs by the end of the fiscal year, according to port authorities.

This drastic improvement has been credited to infrastructural changed in the port, including automated services, the introduction of e-gate passes, and modernisation of the container operating system.

Enhanced cooperation from port users and faster cargo clearance have also contributed to the port’s increased productivity.

Captain Ahmed Amin Abdullah, Member (Harbour & Marine) of Chattogram Port, said that “Despite various challenges, we handled more containers by the 15th of June this fiscal year than in the previous one. With 15 more days to go, we hope to set a new record.”

He added, “The current level of progress at the port is the result of combined efforts from the staff and port users. We hope the handling rate will keep going upward for the remainder of the fiscal year.”​

 

[Saif]

Project worth Tk 46.62b up for ECNEC approval

Another hefty sum of Tk 31.74 billion is to be invested over the next two years in maintenance dredging along the 75-kilometre channel of the Payra Port, which continuously faces navigability challenges for its distance from the sea estuary. Additionally, two hopper dredgers will be procured at

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

RECURRENT PAYRA PORT DREDGING COSTS HUGE SUMS
Project worth Tk 46.62b up for ECNEC approval
Steps a must-have to minimise financial losses by maximising port's utilisation: Economist

JAHIDUL ISLAM
Published :
Jun 21, 2025 00:48
Updated :
Jun 21, 2025 00:48

Another hefty sum of Tk 31.74 billion is to be invested over the next two years in maintenance dredging along the 75-kilometre channel of the Payra Port, which continuously faces navigability challenges for its distance from the sea estuary.

Additionally, two hopper dredgers will be procured at a cost of Tk 14.0 billion for regular maintenance dredging to maintain navigability in the long term to keep the seaport operational, officials say.

In this regard, the Ministry of Shipping has proposed a project titled 'Maintenance Dredging of Rabnabad Channel of Payra Port and Procurement of Hopper Dredger'.

The estimated aggregate cost of the project is Tk 46.62 billion, which will cover dredging operations, dredger procurement and associated activities, said Planning Commission sources.

"The Physical Infrastructure Division of the Planning Commission reviewed the proposal at a project-evaluation committee (PEC) meeting Wednesday and decided to forward it to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval, subject to the incorporation of certain recommendations," a senior planning official said.

Two more development projects -- one of Tk 1.61 billion for the digitisation of the Payra Port and another of Tk 4.90 billion to provide housing facilities for the port's officers and staff -- are also scheduled to be reviewed at two separate PEC meetings within this month, he added.

A total of Tk 53.12 billion needs to be spent on the Payra Port over the next three years beyond the scope of the existing projects.

The entire cost is to be borne by the government from its own funds if the three projects receive the seal of final approval.

Officials have said the Payra Port Authority previously spent Tk 72.89 billion between November 2020 and December last year under a development project and a revenue programme for capital dredging and channel maintenance to support operations at the yet-under-construction port on the southern shore of the Bay of Bengal.

Stakeholders and experts are questioning the justification for the new dredging project, as the port channel remains non-navigable despite the substantial expenditure on previous dredging efforts.

The PEC meeting also recommended including a detailed breakdown of the port's revenue and expenditure, along with projected earnings from the proposed dredging, before the project is submitted for the final all-clear, officials said.

Earlier in March this year, Planning Adviser of the interim government Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud at a press briefing had termed the Payra Port a "poison for the economy," citing its high maintenance costs and limited utility.

He said the port would need two dredgers every year to remain operational, mainly to support coal imports for a nearby power plant.

"Payra is far from being a seaport. At best, it is a wharf for small vessels," he said, adding that a large sum has already been spent and the project's viability is now in question.

He criticised the port as a wrong public investment at several meetings, including the post-budget briefing arranged by the finance ministry.

However, he suggested following a site visit that the port could be developed as an alternative to Chattogram and Mongla ports in case either is disrupted by natural disasters or geopolitical tensions, a Planning Commission official said.

The new dredging project, proposed by the Ministry of Shipping and to be implemented by the Payra Port Authority, aims to maintain a 10.5-metre draft over a 75-kilometre stretch of the Rabnabad channel and procure two trailing suction hopper dredgers.

Officials say the goal is to enable safe navigation of Panamax-class commercial vessels with a capacity of 40,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT).

The latest project also raises broader questions about public investment priorities at a time when Bangladesh faces growing fiscal pressure, sluggish revenue mobilisation, and dwindling development aid.

In the past, many development projects saw unusually high spending and numerous unnecessary initiatives were taken, says Professor Mustafizur Rahman, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).

He notes that the economy is now facing the consequences of those mistakes.

Besides, he says, significant investments have been made, and the port is already in limited use. If it is not kept operational, all that money will be wasted.

He emphasises that the remaining port infrastructure must be built in a "highly cost-effective way, and steps should be taken to minimise financial losses by maximising the port's utilisation".

Spending nearly Tk 50 billion on dredging when health, education, and climate-adaptation sectors remain underfunded reflects misplaced priorities, said a budget analyst at a local think- tank.

"We are treating symptoms, not causes. Why is there no long-term siltation-management strategy or sustainable port-development plan yet?"

Even government documents showed that if maintenance dredging did not continue beyond April 2024, the channel would begin to silt up again, rendering previous capital investments futile.

The port's dredging history is long--and costly. Since its inception in 2013 as a flagship project to spur economic development in the backwater southern region, it has relied heavily on expensive capital and maintenance dredging.

The initial dredging contract - awarded controversially in a public-private partnership (PPP) model to Belgian firm Jan De Nul - was later converted into a government-funded project amid disputes and financing complications.

The capital-dredging component alone reportedly cost over Tk 68.75 billion.

The port authority implemented another project titled 'Emergency Maintenance Dredging of the Rabnabad Channel (Inner and Outer Channels)' between November 2020 and June 2022 at a cost of Tk 4.13 billion.

Despite a Tk 72.88-billion investment, the port still lacks in-house dredging capacity and dredgers must be purchased now to keep the channel navigable--a gap that critics argue should have been addressed in the original project.​

 

[Saif]

Ministry opts to hand over New Mooring Container Terminal to CPA

The authorities have decided in principle to let the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) take charge of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) for six months amid opposition from major political parties to appointing a foreign operator.

www.thedailystar.net

Ministry opts to hand over New Mooring Container Terminal to CPA

Currently, a private operator is running the New Mooring Container Terminal, the largest terminal at Chattogram port. Its contract will expire on July 6. Photo: RAJIB RAIHAN

The authorities have decided in principle to let the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) take charge of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) for six months amid opposition from major political parties to appointing a foreign operator.

Currently, a private operator is running the NCT, the largest terminal at Chattogram port. Its contract will expire on July 6.

With the deadline nearing, the Ministry of Shipping held a meeting last Wednesday where it decided in principle to hand over operations to the CPA, according to an official document.

Subsequently, the CPA has sought final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs through the shipping ministry.

In a letter, the CPA pointed to the contract's looming expiry, the lengthy process of selecting a new operator, and the need to keep external trade running smoothly. It urged swift approval in the national interest.

The NCT has been making headlines in recent months over who would run it.

The government said that bringing in a well-known foreign operator would increase the overall efficiency of the port.

But parties including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and left-leaning groups oppose the idea, arguing that giving control of a key terminal to a foreign firm would endanger national security and sovereignty.

Port workers have also been protesting, saying the move would make little economic sense as the terminal is "profitable and fully functional".

Built at a cost of Tk 2,000 crore, the 950-metre terminal was completed in 2007 by the CPA.

It has five jetties — four for ocean-going container ships and one for smaller vessels that connect to Pangaon port in Dhaka.

The Daily Star approached top CPA officials for comment, but to no avail.

CPA spokesperson and acting secretary Md Nasir Uddin did not answer repeated phone calls.​

 

[Bilal9]

Dhaka Civil Aviation Air Traffic Controllers Video

 

[Saif]

Talks underway for navy to operate new mooring terminal with port authority's support

The matter was discussed in a meeting at Chittagong Port in the presence of Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain.

en.prothomalo.com

Talks underway for navy to operate new mooring terminal with port authority's support

Special Correspondent Chattogram
Published: 28 Jun 2025, 22: 59

Photo shows containers at the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) in Chittagong Port. Sourv Das

The authorities concerned on Saturday discussed about operating the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) in Chittagong Port by the Bangladesh Navy temporarily with the assistance of the Chittagong Port Authority before handing over the facility to foreign operators.

The matter was discussed in a meeting at Chittagong Port in the presence of Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain.

A source close to the government told Prothom Alo that talks were held about the Navy operating NCT with port authority's support. A decision expected to be finalised within the next two to three days.

When asked, port secretary Md Omar Faruq told Prothom Alo that the port authority would formally inform the people concerned once a decision regarding NCT’s operation is finalised.

Local firms have been operating the terminal for 17 years. The current operator, Saif Powertec Limited, will see its contract expire on 6 July. The port authority had sought government approval to manage the terminal directly after the contract ends.

The shipping adviser visited the port this morning, accompanied by planning advisor Wahiduddin Mahmud. Later, they participated in a meeting with port officials at the port building, where the New Mooring Terminal issue was discussed. Lutfey Siddiqui, special envoy on international affairs to chief adviser, was also present at the meeting.

This decision is likely to come at a time when a road march is ongoing under the banner of the “Anti-Imperialist Patriotic People,” a platform formed by leftist parties and organisations. As part of a two-day programme, the march reached the Customs intersection near Gate No. 4 of the port, which was followed by a rally. The platform placed four demands, including no handover of the New Mooring Terminal and Chattogram Port management to foreign entities.

New Mooring Terminal, the largest container terminal in the country, has five jetties. Four ocean-going vessels and one inland waterway vessel can dock simultaneously. Various activities, including loading and unloading containers from ships, transferring, and storing containers, take place there.

A process started during the tenure of the Awami League government to hand over the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to Dubai-based DP World. The current interim government has advanced this process, and a formal agreement is expected to be signed in November.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of World Bank Group, is mediating as the transaction advisor for the terminal on behalf of the Bangladesh government. So, the Bangladesh Navy is expected to operate the terminal until the agreement is finalised.​

 

[Saif]

‘Conspiracy underway to destabilise Chittagong Port’

A conspiracy is underway to destabilise the Chittagong Port, leaders of the Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP), a platform of staff and workers, alleged on Monday. They made this remark at a workers’ rally held at the gate of Chittagong Port around 11:00 am today. The rally was organised...

en.prothomalo.com

SKOP’s rally
‘Conspiracy underway to destabilise Chittagong Port’

Staff Correspondent Chattogram
Published: 30 Jun 2025, 17: 42

Chattogram division unit of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal president AM Nazim Uddin addresses the rally, organised by Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad, a platform of staff and workers of Chittagong Port, at the gate of Chittagong Port on 30 June 2025 Prothom Alo

A conspiracy is underway to destabilise the Chittagong Port, leaders of the Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP), a platform of staff and workers, alleged on Monday.

They made this remark at a workers’ rally held at the gate of Chittagong Port around 11:00 am today. The rally was organised on demand of cancelling the lease of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT).

President of Chattogram division unit of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, a body of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), AM Nazim Uddin presided over the rally.

Speaking at the event, Trade Union Centre’s (TUC) Chattogram district unit president Tapan Dutta, also a member of the Labour Reform Commission, said conspirators hidden within Chittagong Port have begun plotting to create instability.

He observed that over the last 10 days, three different decisions have been made about the port. At times it has been said that the contract with Saif Powertec would be extended by three months. Then it was said that the Port Authority would operate the NCT themselves for the next six months. Later, it was stated that the Navy would be assigned to manage the port.

Labour leader Tapan Dutta added that in the past 10 days, the government and port authorities have taken inconsistent decisions regarding NCT, which indicates that certain port officials are more focused on creating instability than managing the port properly.

The rally, moderated by SKOP joint convener Zahed Uddin, was also addressed by Chittagong Port CBA’s former general secretary and Chattogram Division unit of the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal general secretary Kazi Sheikh Nurullah Bahar, Bangladesh Labour Federation president SK Khoda Toton; Samajtantrik Sramik Front leader Mohin Uddin; and BLF organising secretary Rabiul Haque, among others.

During the meeting, the labour leaders strongly criticised the government’s decision to lease NCT to the Dubai-based multinational company DP World.

They said that Chittagong Port is the country’s main commercial gateway and the backbone of the economy.

The labour leaders pointed out that the NCT, built entirely with domestic funding, is equipped with modern technology and stands as the country’s most successful container terminal.

According to them, any attempt to hand it over to a foreign operator is against national interests and an act of extreme self-destruction.​

 

[Bilal9]

‘Conspiracy underway to destabilise Chittagong Port’

A conspiracy is underway to destabilise the Chittagong Port, leaders of the Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP), a platform of staff and workers, alleged on Monday. They made this remark at a workers’ rally held at the gate of Chittagong Port around 11:00 am today. The rally was organised...

en.prothomalo.com

SKOP’s rally
‘Conspiracy underway to destabilise Chittagong Port’

Staff Correspondent Chattogram
Published: 30 Jun 2025, 17: 42

View attachment 19533

Chattogram division unit of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal president AM Nazim Uddin addresses the rally, organised by Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad, a platform of staff and workers of Chittagong Port, at the gate of Chittagong Port on 30 June 2025 Prothom Alo

A conspiracy is underway to destabilise the Chittagong Port, leaders of the Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP), a platform of staff and workers, alleged on Monday.

They made this remark at a workers’ rally held at the gate of Chittagong Port around 11:00 am today. The rally was organised on demand of cancelling the lease of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT).

President of Chattogram division unit of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, a body of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), AM Nazim Uddin presided over the rally.

Speaking at the event, Trade Union Centre’s (TUC) Chattogram district unit president Tapan Dutta, also a member of the Labour Reform Commission, said conspirators hidden within Chittagong Port have begun plotting to create instability.

He observed that over the last 10 days, three different decisions have been made about the port. At times it has been said that the contract with Saif Powertec would be extended by three months. Then it was said that the Port Authority would operate the NCT themselves for the next six months. Later, it was stated that the Navy would be assigned to manage the port.

Labour leader Tapan Dutta added that in the past 10 days, the government and port authorities have taken inconsistent decisions regarding NCT, which indicates that certain port officials are more focused on creating instability than managing the port properly.

The rally, moderated by SKOP joint convener Zahed Uddin, was also addressed by Chittagong Port CBA’s former general secretary and Chattogram Division unit of the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal general secretary Kazi Sheikh Nurullah Bahar, Bangladesh Labour Federation president SK Khoda Toton; Samajtantrik Sramik Front leader Mohin Uddin; and BLF organising secretary Rabiul Haque, among others.

During the meeting, the labour leaders strongly criticised the government’s decision to lease NCT to the Dubai-based multinational company DP World.

They said that Chittagong Port is the country’s main commercial gateway and the backbone of the economy.

The labour leaders pointed out that the NCT, built entirely with domestic funding, is equipped with modern technology and stands as the country’s most successful container terminal.

According to them, any attempt to hand it over to a foreign operator is against national interests and an act of extreme self-destruction.​

Their corrupt bribe money is now in questions, so "Eid ke baad andolon".

 

[Saif]

Their corrupt bribe money is now in questions, so "Eid ke baad andolon".

I am for giving the responsibility of Chittagong port operation to a well known foreign company so that our port operators become more efficient and become less corrupt.

 

[Saif]

Local management to operate for 6 months before foreign handover

The New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port will remain under local management for 6 months before being handed over to foreign operators. This policy decision was approved at a meeting of the Economic Affairs Advisory Council Committee on Tuesday. Briefing the media after the m

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

NEW MOORING CONTAINER TERMINAL (NCT)
Local management to operate for 6 months before foreign handover
Economic Affairs Committee decides temporary arrangement

FE REPORT
Published :
Jul 02, 2025 00:22
Updated :
Jul 02, 2025 00:22

The New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port will remain under local management for 6 months before being handed over to foreign operators.

This policy decision was approved at a meeting of the Economic Affairs Advisory Council Committee on Tuesday.

Briefing the media after the meeting, Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed confirmed the temporary local management arrangement, which precedes the planned foreign handover.

Retired Brigadier General Sakhawat Hossain, Adviser of the Ministries of Shipping, Labour and Employment, said that the final decision on the entity to be entrusted with managing Chattogram Port will be taken at a meeting of the Ministry of Shipping today.

According to ministry sources, the upcoming operator will be selected through a direct procurement method, bypassing any open tender process. The temporary arrangement will be valid for six months.

For the past 17 years, NCT has been operated by a local private entity, Saif Powertec Limited. The company's contract is set to expire on July 6.

Sources within the Ministry of Shipping indicated that from July 7, the Bangladesh Navy is expected to take over operations of the terminal, with logistical and administrative support from the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA).

NCT is the country's largest container terminal, comprising five jetties capable of accommodating four seagoing vessels and one inland vessel simultaneously. It handles a significant volume of the country's containerised cargo.

Earlier at a meeting on June 18, the Ministry of Shipping had decided that the CPA would operate the terminal directly and submitted a proposal seeking government approval for Tk 420 million. However, the port authorities later reversed this decision.

A follow-up meeting on Saturday between the Shipping Adviser and CPA officials, held at the port building's conference room, resulted in a revised policy decision to assign operational responsibility to the Navy, supported by the CPA.

The process of handing over NCT to foreign operators began under the previous Awami League-led government, with Dubai-based DP World identified as the intended operator. The current interim government is continuing with that process.

A formal agreement with DP World is expected to be signed by November. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is acting as the transaction adviser and intermediary on behalf of the Bangladesh government. Until the agreement is finalised, the Bangladesh Navy is likely to continue operating the terminal under the interim arrangement.​

 

[Saif]

undefined | The Financial Express

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Navy Chief visits New Mooring Container Terminal at Ctg port

BSS
Published :
Jul 09, 2025 20:42
Updated :
Jul 09, 2025 20:42

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan on Wednesday inspected the activities of the New Mooring Container Terminal at Chattogram Port.

With the active participation of naval personnel, country’s development activities continue in addition to ensuring national security. In continuation of this, the Chief of the Bangladesh Navy inspected the activities of the New Mooring Container Terminal at Chattogram Port, said an ISPR press release.

During the visit, he inspected the container handling activities at NCT-2 JT area, container handling activities at the appraise point and terminal operation system activities at CTMS building.

He also provided necessary directives to the officers and members of Chattogram Dry Dock Limited working at NCT and all those related to the port activities for the management of the port activities.

The commander of Chattogram naval region, chairman of Chattogram Port Authority and MD of Chittagong Dry Dock Limited and other senior military and civilian officials were present, it said.

It is mentionable that the Chattogram Port Authority handed over the responsibility of operating the NCT of the Chattogram Port to Chattogram Dry Dock Limited on Monday.

The Navy Chief hoped that the Chattogram Dry Dock Limited taking take over the responsibility of the NCT will further accelerate the activities of the port by increasing discipline, punctuality and efficiency in the port’s activities.

If the rapid movement and transportation of goods is ensured through proper port management, the country’s import-export process will be dynamic, which will play a direct role in the country’s economy, he said.

He also hoped that if the overall performance of the port increases through efficient management, it will increase the confidence of foreign investors and play an important role in the progress of the national economy.​

 

[Saif]

Container handling rises at New Mooring terminal after Navy takeover

Container handling at the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port increased in the first week of operational management by Chittagong Dry Dock Limited (CDDL), Bangladesh's sole dry dock currently operating under the Bangladesh Navy..The CDDL started running the NCT at the c

www.thedailystar.net

Container handling rises at New Mooring terminal after Navy takeover

Star file photo

Container handling at the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port increased in the first week of operational management by Chittagong Dry Dock Limited (CDDL), Bangladesh's sole dry dock currently operating under the Bangladesh Navy.

The CDDL started running the NCT at the country's largest port from July 7.

Until yesterday, the terminal recorded an average of 3,181 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled per day, compared to 2,956 TEUs daily during the previous seven days when the terminal was managed by Saif Powertec Ltd, according to a statement issued by the Chief Adviser's office.

This marks an increase of 8 percent, or 225 TEUs per day, reflecting a positive improvement in efficiency and performance, it states..

The NCT terminal had long been operated by Saif Powertec. Upon the expiration of its contract with Chittagong Port on July 6 this year, the shipping ministry approved the handover of operational responsibility to CDDL, effective from July 7.

"Since the transition, the terminal has shown improved coordination and operational discipline."

Between July 7 and July 13, container loading and unloading of 10 vessels was successfully completed, and currently, four vessels are being handled simultaneously at the four berths of the NCT.

Saif Powertec had been running Chattogram Port's two terminals – Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT) and NCT – since their inception.

The NCT opened for operations in 2007. Saif Powertec initially operated two of the NCT's jetties on an ad hoc basis. In 2015, it was directly appointed by the CPA to operate four jetties.

The terminal remained underutilised for eight years following its construction due to a lack of necessary equipment. By 2022, the CPA had completed purchasing and installing the key equipment — quayside gantry cranes.

The NCT handled 38.5 percent of a total of 32.75 lakh TEUs of containers that passed through Chattogram Port in 2024, according to official data.​

 

[Saif]

Outbound container-handling charges set to surge 81pc

Container-depot owners have announced a steep hike in charges of outbound goods-laden box handling up to 81 per cent which exporters term a fresh blow amid troubling reciprocal- tariff tussle with the United States. Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) has also declared the cha

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

EXPORTERS FEAR FRESH BLOW TO INDUSTRY, TRADE
Outbound container-handling charges set to surge 81pc

Syful Islam
Published :
Jul 21, 2025 00:24
Updated :
Jul 21, 2025 00:24

Container-depot owners have announced a steep hike in charges of outbound goods-laden box handling up to 81 per cent which exporters term a fresh blow amid troubling reciprocal- tariff tussle with the United States.

Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) has also declared the charge hike in case of handling empty cargo boxes and some other services they provide.

A circular issued by the BICDA says the hiked charges will be effective from September-in what comes as a double bind with a 35-percent additional US tariff on Bangladeshi exports possibly taking effect on August 01.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the top user of the off-docks, says the move to raise charges will create a big pressure on the export-oriented industry.

The BICDA in its circular has said the investment cost of the Inland Container Depots (ICDs) has increased "so significantly" that capacity expansion of depots "has become very difficult".

"Similarly, the new ICDs are also struggling to attain financial viability and achieve full operational capability," says BICDA Secretary-General Ruhul Amin Sikder.

He says against the backdrop of significant operational and investment cost escalations, considerable increase in labour costs, increase in equipment import/purchase and maintenance costs, devaluation of the taka against the US dollar, sharp increase in overhead costs due to massive inflationary pressures, and increasing bank interest rates, BICDA has reviewed upward the empty-container-handling charges and export-cargo-handling charges.

According to the circular, from September 01, the ICDs will realise Tk 9,900 as handling charge for a 20-foot goods-laden export container, accounting for a 60-percent rise from the existing rate of Tk 6,187.

For a 40-foot container, the revised charge will be Tk 13,200 in a rise from the existing charge of Tk 8,250. The revised charge will go up by 81 per cent to Tk 14,900 from the present cost of Tk 8,250 in case of a 40-foot-high cube container and 45-foot container.

In case of empty boxes, the BICDA says, ground rate for a 20-foot container will increase from Tk 115 to Tk 150 while for 40-foot container it will go up from Tk 230 to Tk 300. Their lift-on/lift-off charges will be Tk 750 and Tk 700 respectively from the existing Tk 512.

The documentation charge will be increased to Tk 450 from existing Tk 276 for both 20-foot and 40-foot boxes.

The haulage charge will increase to Tk 2,500 from Tk 1,705 in case of 20-foot boxes while for 40-foot boxes the charge will rise to Tk 5,000 from existing Tk 3,410.

Also, BICDA is bent on raising CFS storage charges, labour charge, sorting charge, and reefer plug-in charge, among others.

Inamul Haq Khan, senior vice president, BGMEA, told the FE that depot owners were unexpectedly raising charges without discussing that with the main users of their facilities.

"They should have discussed with us whether we can absorb the higher charges or not."

Because, he says, if charges go up all of a sudden, it will create a big pressure on the export- oriented sector that is poised to face a tariff wall on the single-largest export market-the United States.

Mr Khan mentions that already there is another move to raise charges by the port authority.

"Our capability is getting reduced gradually," he says, adding that exporters are already under pressure over the proposed reciprocal tariff by the United States. "That is a matter of survival for us."

He laments it will be a "bad timing" for the industry as the depot association is raising charge when all are engaged with the United States in tariff negotiation.

Syed Mohammad Arif, Chairman, Bangladesh Shipping Agents' Association (BSAA), echoes the industry concern.

He says in the past, the depots had handled containers carrying only 38 items which now increased to 65 items, nearly doubled, which means they will make good business.

"This is not an appropriate time for them to increase charges when their business is growing. They should reconsider it now," he opines.

Mr Arif explains that ultimately, the charge will fall on export-import business of the country. "When tariff goes up, the principal would not bear it, rather they will realise it from exporters and importers that means from product prices."

On a greater note of concern, he says, "If the different authorities raise charges at once, none will be able to do business in Bangladesh."

And goods prices will go beyond the reach of all.​