From Our Correspondent, CHATTOGRAM: A sudden increase in tariffs at the Chittagong Port has triggered strong resentment among the country’s business and industrial community. Several trade bodies, including the Shipping Agents’ Association, have denounced the hike as “excessive and unjustified,” urging authorities to suspend it immediately.
As Bangladesh’s principal gateway for exports and imports, Chittagong Port plays a vital role in the nation’s economy. Business leaders warn that the abrupt rise in port tariffs will have a ripple effect across the entire supply chain — driving up export and import costs, container handling charges, warehousing expenses, transportation, and logistics services. The move, they fear, could undermine Bangladesh’s competitiveness in international trade.
The increased tariffs are also expected to raise raw material import costs, which will impact major sectors such as textiles, leather, plastics, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, food processing, and electronics. Ultimately, these cost pressures could trickle down to consumers, pushing up product prices in the local market and putting additional strain on small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
In response to the growing frustration, Mohammad Amirul Haque, one of the country’s leading industrialists and the panel leader of “One Team” in the upcoming Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) elections, has convened an emergency meeting of business leaders.
The meeting will be held on Sunday, October 12, at 12:00 PM, at Mohana–3, Level–4, Radisson Blu Hotel, Chattogram. It is expected to bring together leaders from key trade and industry organizations to discuss the implications of the tariff hike, explore possible remedies, and form a united front to present a joint proposal to the government.
In his invitation letter, Amirul Haque wrote: “If we stay united, we can effectively safeguard the interests of the business community and find a sustainable solution to this crisis. Our unity is our greatest strength.”
The decision to raise port tariffs has already sparked intense debate in trade and commercial circles. Many believe that unless the issue is resolved quickly, it could negatively impact export competitiveness, foreign currency earnings, and overall industrial growth — at a time when the economy is already facing mounting challenges.
