Senior government representatives and business executives have strongly backed the inclusion of foreign operators in Bangladesh’s ports, claiming that international experience is necessary to improve efficiency and satisfy international standards.
The position was outlined on Saturday at a roundtable discussion on the country’s shipping and logistics sector with backing from BGMEA, BKMEA, and several industry associations.
Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), said international port operators could both improve management efficiency and transfer knowledge to local staff. He criticised the recent 40% tariff hike at Chattogram Port, describing it as “unjustified” for a service-oriented organisation.
In order to meet the US $ 100 billion national export goal, he noted, the Bay Terminal’s early completion and increased utilisation of the ports of Mongla and Payra were essential. In addition to ports, he emphasised that stable energy supplies and enhanced law and order are necessary for the expansion of exports.
BGMEA senior vice president Inamul Haq Khan noted that cargo handling at Chattogram currently takes five to six days—far longer than the global average of one to two days—forcing exporters to use costly air shipments.
Former BAFFA president Kabir Ahmed also endorsed foreign participation but said “a vested group” continues to resist reform. He also flagged inefficiencies in air cargo operations, pointing out that none of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s four explosive detection systems are operational.
According to Professor Md. Mamun Habib of Independent University in Bangladesh, the nation’s logistics ranking is worse than that of its regional counterparts, coming up at number 88 on the World Bank’s 2023 index, whereas India and Sri Lanka are ranked 38 and 73, respectively. “Business fundamentals and infrastructure continue to be our weakest areas,” he stated.
Masrur Reaz, chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, contended that Bangladesh is already “ten years behind schedule” and that if efficiency is to increase, a worldwide operator must be brought in to Chattogram Port.
The event’s main guest, Shipping Secretary Mohammad Yousuf, declared that construction on a multi-modal logistics hub at the Bay Terminal, which will integrate rail, road, and marine capabilities in addition to a new container terminal at Halishahar, will soon begin.
Additionally, he said that a subsidiary loan agreement was signed yesterday, confirming progress on the World Bank-financed Bay Terminal Breakwater Project. To connect Mongla, Payra, and Chattogram ports digitally, the ministry is creating a Port Community System.
The secretary also disclosed that private operators will be given control of at least one container train on the Dhaka-Chattogram line, and that Matarbari Phase II, which will include LNG and LPG facilities as well as a new dockyard, is already in planning.
