Bangladesh lacks the regulatory discipline needed for involving foreign operators in port management.
Eminent economist and activist Anu Muhammad yesterday questioned why the interim government handed over two terminals to two foreign operators with just a few months left of its tenure.
Govt says renowned global operators will modernise port system, reduce corruption and eventually increase Bangladesh’s competitiveness
The Ctg port’s capacity has risen from 56,000 TEUs to 66,000 TEUs
Seeks explanation from shipping ministry, CPA on legality of revised port charges
Consignment imported by Chattogram-based firm Adib Trading from Pakistan
No country has ever built a strong foundation by abandoning national pride and acting like a broker, as our governments often tend to do.
It cannot be viewed as a simple price adjustment.
The decision came at a time when exports are already under strain due to additional US tariffs
No country has ever built a strong foundation by abandoning national pride and acting like a broker, as our governments often tend to do.
It cannot be viewed as a simple price adjustment.
The decision came at a time when exports are already under strain due to additional US tariffs
The government announced a 41 percent average increase in service charges on September 14
New Chattogram port tariff on containers raises trade costs despite brief delay
In the first major tariff review in almost four decades, the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has raised service charges at Chattogram port by 41 percent.
They demand a pause until the charges are fixed by the shipping ministry’s tariff committee
Chattogram port, Bangladesh’s busiest maritime gateway, plays a central role in the country’s trade, handling nearly 95 percent of imports and exports. Its smooth operation is critical not only for the $100 billion maritime trade it facilitates annually but also for the broader competitiveness of Bangladesh’s economy as it prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country status.
Businesses urged the government not to raise service tariffs at Chattogram port by a massive 41 percent at once, but to increase them rationally in phases, aiming to keep the country’s foreign trade competitive in the global market.
Firms with fraudulent papers caught importing cigarette raw material, evading taxes
