Speaking as the chief guest at a workshop titled "Customs and Port Management: Problems, Prospects, and Way Forward", organised by the Economic Relations Division at the port auditorium, the adviser confirmed that the implementation of the revised tariff structure was deferred by a month.
The workshop was organised by the Support to Sustainable Graduation Project (SSGP) of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) in collaboration with the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA).
He noted that the increased charges-driven by rising operating costs and major ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Bay Terminal-were necessary, but the temporary suspension would relieve pressure on exporters.
"The government has decided to postpone the rollout of the revised tariff structure for one month," Hossain said.
Business leaders at the event, however, urged the government to extend the deferral period to at least six months. They also called for a reduction in certain charges to help exporters stay competitive amid global trade headwinds, including recently imposed higher US tariffs.
Participant of the workshop proposed formation of a joint taskforce to address persistent service bottlenecks and urged legal reforms to expedite container auctions and cargo clearance processes.
The new tariff, which affects a broad range of services at the port and private inland container depots (ICDs), reflects an average increase of 40 to 45 per cent.
Exporters expressed frustration that many ICDs raised service charges without any corresponding improvements in capacity or service quality.
They also criticised the National Board of Revenue (NBR) for failing to enforce operational standards.
The Shipping Adviser said the government will finalise a comprehensive National Port Strategy by year-end to guide the long-term development of Bangladesh's land, river, and seaports.
"The strategy focuses on modernising infrastructure, boosting efficiency, and aligning operations with global standards," he added.
Highlighting future plans, the shipping adviser said a cold storage facility will be built at Mongla Port to handle perishables, adding that the port has potential to become a regional trading hub.
Dr Anisuzzaman called for the formation of a taskforce involving all relevant agencies to streamline seaport operations.
Senior Secretary Yousuf stressed Bangladesh's need to comply with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, which require major infrastructure investments.
"Revenue from the revised tariffs will be used to fund these improvements," he added.
NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan highlighted steps to speed up customs clearance, including scanner installation and the introduction of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) system.
The session was chair ERD Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky emphasised the need for domestic industries to strengthen environmental compliance and competitiveness ahead of Bangladesh's graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in November 2026.
CPA Chairman Moniruzzaman pointed to the urgency of developing a deep seaport to accommodate larger vessels and serve as a backup to Chattogram.
Keynote speaker Abdul Baki, former secretary and SSGP project adviser, stressed the importance of coordinated action among the private sector, port authorities, customs, and other government agencies to reduce clearance time.
Stakeholders also urged full automation of customs procedures, expansion of off-dock facilities, improved road connectivity around Chattogram port, and early operationalisation of the Bay Terminal.
As Bangladesh prepares for LDC graduation, experts warned that port-related operational, infrastructural, and regulatory bottlenecks continue to weaken competitiveness and pose risks to trade and investment.
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