With the goal of creating an integrated, sustainable framework for managing land, river and seaports throughout the nation, Bangladesh is scheduled to complete its long-awaited National Port Strategy this year.
At a stakeholder consultation meeting in the capital, Shipping Advisor M. Sakhawat Hussain confirmed the news. In order to discuss and finalise the draft strategy, the Ministry of Shipping organised the event with technical assistance from the Japanese government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
M. Sakhawat Hussain said, “The draft of the national port strategy is at its final stage. We hope to complete it within this year and start implementation from January next year,” adding that the plan would usher in a new era of coordinated port governance in Bangladesh.
He highlighted that despite the country’s heavy reliance on ports for trade and exports, Bangladesh has not had a unified or integrated port management framework in the past 54 years. “Each port has been operating and planning independently,” he said.
A high-level committee was established to examine international best practices in port administration, incorporating knowledge from developed countries and business professionals. The consultant claims that a maritime single-window system will be implemented as part of the future plan, combining all port-related services into a single online platform.
The plan is set for completion this year, with implementation scheduled for January next year. Textile companies should factor in these upcoming changes when planning export, sourcing, and logistics strategies.
The maritime single-window system is expected to significantly reduce administrative delays in port services, exports, and customs clearances. Textile exporters are advised to engage early with the system to streamline future operations.
Port modernisation efforts will align facilities with international best practices, including digital management. Large-scale textile exporters stand to benefit through more efficient handling of shipments, greater port diversification, and reduced congestion risks.
A coordinated port framework will minimise inconsistencies in service levels and logistics costs, enabling more integrated and predictable supply-chain planning.
The plan could also open new investment opportunities in logistics zones near ports, with improved hinterland connectivity and seamless maritime services — supporting textile firms pursuing backward integration through nearby warehousing and logistics hubs.
Sakhawat Hussain emphasised that digital port management solutions have already drawn foreign investment and improved transparency globally. He added, “Bangladesh is prioritising a technology-driven port ecosystem to attract domestic and international investors in order to bring similar benefits.”
Senior shipping ministry officials, JICA representatives and other important stakeholders attended the consultation session, which was headed by Shipping Secretary Nurun Nahar Chowdhury and Chairman of Chattogram Port Authority SM Moniruzzaman.
