From Our Staff Correspondent, Chattogram : The Bangladesh Shipping Agents’ Association (BSAA) held a high-level consultative meeting with the visiting World Bank Mission on Port and Maritime Supply Chain Digitalization to address infrastructure bottlenecks, accelerate technological transformation, and enhance the global competitiveness of Bangladesh’s port and logistics sector.
The meeting, held at the BSAA Conference Room in Chattogram on July 2, 2026, was chaired by Capt. Md. Salah Uddin Chowdhury, Chairman of BSAA. It drew active participation from BSAA Directors, Advisors, former Directors, and top executives from leading shipping and logistics conglomerates. The World Bank delegation was led by Ms. Nusrat Nahid Babi, Senior Transport Specialist, and Mr. Pascal Ollivier, Senior Consultant for Digital Ports & Maritime Infrastructure, alongside other international maritime logistics experts.
During the interactive session, BSAA leadership highlighted critical ground-level challenges and structural bottlenecks currently impacting the country’s maritime trade. Key discussions centered on mitigating port congestion, phasing out manual documentation, and transitioning to an automated, swift vessel clearance process. Shipping agents strongly advocated for the rapid integration of unified digital platforms (Single Window systems) among customs, port authorities, and all relevant regulatory agencies to minimize turnaround times.
The agenda also covered critical operational issues, including upgrading port infrastructure and handling equipment, streamlining Dangerous Goods (DG) cargo declarations, and rationalizing port storage charges to lower the cost of doing business. Furthermore, procedural reforms for vessel permissions and the operational dynamics of implementing the recently introduced port tariff were scrutinized.
World Bank representatives acknowledged the strategic importance of Bangladesh’s maritime sector in regional trade and expressed commitment to supporting sustainable modernization through digital infrastructure and policy frameworks. Both sides underscored that continuous stakeholder engagement is vital to building resilient, smart, and future-ready ports.
The formal proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks, appreciating the World Bank delegation’s insights. BSAA subsequently hosted a luncheon in honor of the international delegates, providing an avenue for further networking and informal dialogue on transforming the nation’s maritime landscape.
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