Bangladesh is moving to finalise a National Port Strategy to make the country’s sea, river, and land ports run more efficiently, expand international trade, and drive economic growth, Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said on Sunday.
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar organised by the Ministry of Shipping at a capital hotel, Rabiul noted that a major share of Bangladesh’s imports, exports, and overall economic activity relies on port operations.
He stressed that an integrated port management plan should have been formulated much earlier. With trade and economic growth accelerating, expanding port capacity, upgrading operational systems, and strengthening inter-agency coordination have now become urgent.
Prioritising national interest and inter-agency cooperation
The minister emphasised that no single agency or ministry’s authority should be belittled when drafting the National Port Strategy.
Instead, the nation’s broader economic interests must take top priority, incorporating inputs from all relevant ministries, port authorities, public bodies, businesses, importers, exporters, and experts.
He cautioned that while prioritising the state’s greater interest, no ministry or agency’s institutional position or authority should act as an obstacle to integrated efforts.
At the same time, existing legal mandates and statutory frameworks must be respected through enhanced cooperation.
Pointing out that sea, river, and land ports are managed by separate authorities, Rabiul noted that port operations involve the Ministry of Commerce, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Customs, and various public and private entities alongside the Ministry of Shipping.
Therefore, consulting all stakeholders is essential, as a policy favouring any single party could block desired outcomes.
International collaboration and investment
The initiative is supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) alongside domestic and foreign experts.
Commending JICA, a long-standing development partner of the Japanese government in Bangladesh, the minister expressed confidence that an effective strategy document will be produced by blending local and international expertise.
Highlighting opportunities to harness global investment and management expertise, he noted ongoing initiatives to involve international firms in container handling and terminal management.
Referring to Bangladesh’s growing engagement with world-leading container terminal operators such as DP World, Denmark’s AP Moller, and Singapore’s PSA, he stressed that while international experience can boost port efficiency, integrated policies and long-term planning are essential to balance operational, commercial, investment, and state interests.
Beyond infrastructure to complete supply chain efficiency
Rabiul insisted that port development must extend beyond physical infrastructure construction to encompass seamless coordination across terminal operations, container handling, cargo clearance, transport connectivity, customs procedures, and related services.
Creating a business-friendly environment with international-standard services will make Bangladeshi ports globally competitive.
Enhanced port efficiency will facilitate imports and exports while invigorating port-centric transport, supply chain logistics, trade, and local entrepreneurship. Consequently, the strategy must properly account for the needs and interests of local traders, importers, and exporters.
Urging all participants to rise above personal, institutional, or narrow interests, he reminded them that the strategy concerns the entire nation’s economic potential and trade expansion.
He thanked participating experts, ministries, port authorities, and JICA representatives, calling for the optimal use of their expertise to deliver a dynamic, integrated strategy.
Focus on long-term capabilities
Addressing the seminar, State Minister Md Rajib Ahsan highlighted the rich historical legacy of Bangladesh’s ports in driving maritime traffic and commerce.
Recognising that port infrastructure and trade volume have expanded alongside national growth, he called for realistic solutions to overcome existing limitations, emphasising management efficiency, stakeholder alignment, and long-term planning alongside physical development to ensure global competitiveness.
The seminar was attended by Shipping Secretary Zakaria, JICA Bangladesh Country Director Takahashi, chairmen of various port authorities including the Chittagong Port Authority, representatives of relevant ministries and departments, university academics, and industry experts.
