Port, customs to form joint panel to cut delays

A joint committee comprising officials from Chattogram Port and Customs will be formed to resolve operational problems jointly, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Tuesday.

Chattogram Port and Customs have also decided to work together for the first time to reduce business costs and minimise delays in cargo clearance, he said.

The minister made the remarks after a meeting with port and customs officials and representatives of business stakeholders at the Chattogram Port building.

He said higher port costs and prolonged customs procedures were among the major reasons behind rising prices for consumers.

“All issues were identified during the meeting, which was attended by the chairmen of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and Chattogram Port. Decisions were made, recorded, and assigned firm implementation deadlines,” he said. “There is nothing vague or hidden.”

Khosru stressed that while joint coordination between port and customs authorities was long overdue, both sides are now actively taking unified steps to resolve supply chain hurdles.

“Any disruption in the supply chain or rise in clearance costs inflates consumer prices. Enhancing port efficiency is critical to ensure extra expenses aren’t passed on to businesses and everyday consumers,” the minister noted, adding that the effort aligns with broader government reforms to ease regulations and improve the business climate.

Reducing cargo clearance times and costs would increase exports, encourage investment, boost industrialisation and create more jobs. It would also make Bangladeshi businesses more competitive in the international market, he said.

“A new system will be created through the port and customs working together. Businesses, people and the government will all benefit from it,” Khosru said.

Referring to the need to remain competitive in the global market, he said the initiatives would help accelerate economic growth and ease inflation. 

They would also pave the way for Bangladesh to become a US$1 trillion economy by 2034.

Asked about the government’s stance on leasing the New-Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign company, the minister said, “Who will run the port is not our issue. Whoever operates the port, whether local or foreign, they will have to ensure things in the interest of Bangladesh’s economy and its people.”

Asked whether personal connections with influential people in Customs could be used to obtain benefits, Amir Khosru said such practices would not be tolerated.

“Who knows whom in customs – that influence will not work under this government. We will not allow patronage-based business,” he warned.

Meanwhile, Chattogram Chamber President Mohammed Amirul Haque told reporters after the meeting that all sides had agreed to resolve the problems soon.

“We have taken decisions together on the problems that exist, and we will resolve them very soon,” he said.

The business leader said the meeting discussed several issues, including problems with customs documentation, the movement of empty containers out of the port, changes to the ICD policy and specific export ICDs.