Export-oriented industries can import raw materials duty-free under a new import policy that the government believes will strengthen trade competitiveness and support industrial growth.
The post-uprising interim government Thursday approved the Import Policy Order 2025-2028 alongside a raft of ordinances aimed at strengthening trade facilitation, expanding legal protections for women, and updating regulatory frameworks across several sectors.
At the meeting, held at the CA's office in Dhaka's Tejgaon, the council approved the draft Import Policy Order, six ordinances and three additional policy proposals.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, the chief adviser's press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, said the new import policy was designed to accelerate export growth and make it easier to do business.
"Better exports depend on efficient imports," he said about the cabinet observation, adding that the policy would improve trade facilitation through measures such as electronic payment of customs duties and a more transparent and efficient customs clearance system.
Under the new rules, importers will be allowed a second laboratory test if a product fails its initial quality test -- an option that did not exist previously.
Export-oriented industries will also be able to import raw materials duty-free under a decision the government believes will strengthen competitiveness and support industrial growth.
The policy also addresses issues related to free-trade zones, Alam said, and is intended to create a more business-friendly environment.
The council also approved drafts of six ordinances: the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace and Educational Institutions Ordinance 2026, the Domestic Violence Prevention Ordinance 2026, the National Sports Council (Amendment) Ordinance 2026, the Bangladesh Animal and Animal Products Quarantine Ordinance 2026, and ordinances establishing development authorities for Narayanganj and Cumilla.
The advisory body further endorsed proposals to declare 23 March as BNCC Day, to be observed annually, and to withdraw Bangladesh's declaration under section 14(1) of the UN Convention against Torture, which restricts the jurisdiction of the Committee Against Torture.
It also approved a proposal for Bangladesh to accede to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
In foreign policy decisions, the council agreed to open a new Bangladeshi mission in Georgetown, Guyana, at the level of chargé d'affaires or first secretary, staffed by officials drawn from existing overseas missions.
Providing details on the two gender-focused ordinances, the chief adviser's assistant press secretary, Shuchismita Tithi, said the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace and Educational Institutions Ordinance 2026 was formulated by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and comprises four chapters and 20 sections.
She said the law offers a comprehensive definition of sexual harassment, covering physical, verbal, mental, suggestive and digital behaviour -- a significant expansion intended to address widespread abuse in online spaces.
The ordinance mandates the formation of a women-led committee to receive complaints verbally, in writing or online, with investigations required to be completed within 90 days.
Confidentiality during investigations is prioritised, Tithi said, with penalties ranging from warnings and suspension to dismissal, expulsion and compensation, depending on the severity of the offence.
The ordinance also includes provisions for punishment if a complaint is proven to be false.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com