Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has warned that congestion and poor coordination at Chattogram Port are pushing up the cost of goods, affecting industrial production and market prices across the country.
Speaking on Friday afternoon at his residence in Mehedibagh after a meeting with the Port Users Forum, the minister said resolving the port’s operational issues would accelerate cargo clearance and reduce unnecessary expenses.
“Various stakeholders around Chattogram Port are functioning independently, creating a fragmented system. Each has its own sphere of control, and accountability for problems is unclear,” he said.
He noted that delays in clearing imported goods, extra charges, and procedural bottlenecks are significant contributors to rising costs. “These additional expenses increase production costs in industries and ultimately drive up market prices,” he added.
Officials from the port, customs, transport workers, and other stakeholders attended the discussion. The minister said every issue was examined, including where problems occur, why they arise, and which factors are adding to costs.
He emphasised that nearly all goods, including raw materials for industries, are affected, forcing consumers to bear the extra burden. Some immediate solutions were agreed upon during the meeting, while others requiring inter-ministerial coordination will take a few more days to resolve.
Amid the holy month of Ramadan, the minister emphasised the need to fast-track the clearance of essential goods. “Currently, deliveries are slow. Delays risk price hikes in the market. Speeding up clearance will reduce the additional costs being incurred,” he said.
Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury also assured that the government has taken steps to ease the economic pressure caused by port inefficiencies. “Some solutions have been implemented today, and others will be finalised through further discussions. Effective measures are expected soon,” he added.
The government expects that improved port operations will speed up cargo clearance, lower production costs, and help ease price pressures in the market.
Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Shahadat Hossain, Chattogram Custom House Commissioner Shafiuddin, Additional Commissioner Tafsir Uddin Bhuiya, Commodore Ahmed Amin Abdullah of the Chattogram Port Authority (Harbour and Marine), Port Users Forum President Ameer Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury, SEACOM Group Chairman Mohammad Amirul Haque, Asian Group Managing Director Abdus Salam, and leaders of the C&F Agents Association, Shipping Agents Association, and other business stakeholder groups attend the meeting, among others.
