‘Ctg, Mongla ports must ensure cost-effective services’

Staff Reporter :

Due to the limited capacity and various obstacles at Bangladesh’s seaports, the country has failed to fully capitalize on its geographical advantage and strong production base.

Experts believe this inefficiency has resulted in weak global competitiveness, high business and transaction costs, and delays in trade. Chattogram Port is considered the lifeline of Bangladesh’s trade. However, the full capacity of the second-largest seaport, Mongla, remains underutilized.

At present, frequent container congestion, increased storage charges and tariffs, and the lack of a fully functional e-port system at Chattogram Port are disrupting import-export activities. Discussions continue within business and political circles about who should manage the port and its container terminals.

Experts argue that the proper utilization of both Chattogram and Mongla ports could significantly advance the national economy. For this, a well-planned roadmap is essential. At a recent discussion, BNP Standing Committee Member and former Commerce Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said that handing over the container terminal of Chattogram Port to foreign entities is not a decision that should be made by a non-political government. Decisions regarding increasing capacity or management of the port should come from a political mandate. At another event, he said that in the future, Bangladesh’s economy must be developed through its business community.

To that end, all necessary laws should be amended. He emphasized that the government’s role is to facilitate the economy through trade, business, and investment – essentially bringing economic benefits to the people. However, in the past, the economy was taken away from the people and handed over to a few looters. In the last 15 years, no one has been able to operate freely in a truly open economic environment. The economy is now on the brink of collapse. To pull it back from the edge, support from the business community is crucial.

Recently, Rear Admiral Shahin Rahman, Chairman of Mongla Port, spoke with media about the port’s capacity and future development. In the same vein, Sakif Shamim, Vice President candidate in the upcoming FBCCI elections and Managing Director of LabAid Cancer Hospital and Super Specialty Center, told media that enhancing the capacity of both Chattogram and Mongla ports is essential to accelerating import-export trade.

Meanwhile, the Chattogram Port Authority has decided to increase tariffs by 30% on imports and exports. This news has greatly heightened concerns among businesspeople.

To serve the interest of businesses, tariffs and charges at Chattogram Port must be reduced to ensure internationally competitive and cost-effective services. Rear Admiral Shahin Rahman further noted that the full potential of Mongla Port remains untapped. Unlike Chattogram, this port does not suffer from container congestion. Its jetties and sheds often remain vacant.

He reported that while the port has the capacity to anchor 1,500 ships per year, only 835 ships currently use it.

Meanwhile, Sakif Shamim reiterated concerns over the 30% tariff hike decision by the Chattogram Port Authority. He said the increase in duties would eventually fall on the shoulders of consumers, resulting in higher product prices and potentially increased inflation. On the export side, rising transportation costs could make Bangladeshi products less competitive in global markets.