Dhaka: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved several proposals, including modifications in the inland container depot project model and fast-tracked procedures for government-to-government food grain imports under emergency arrangements.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the committee, chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, discussed a proposal from the Ministry of Railways regarding the construction of a new Inland Container Depot (ICD) near Dhirasram Railway Station. The project was removed from the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) list during its construction phase. However, the committee granted in-principle approval to implement the operation and maintenance of the Dhirasram ICD under the PPP modality. Officials indicated that the revised approach aims to enhance private sector participation in managing and maintaining the logistics facility once completed.
The Dhirasram ICD is expected to alleviate container congestion at Chattogram Port and improve cargo handling capacity. The updated PPP model is designed to attract international operators for long-term facility management.
In another decision, the committee addressed proposals from the Ministry of Food concerning the import of wheat and rice under government-to-government arrangements. The committee granted in-principle approval for wheat purchase under G2G arrangements, adhering to the Public Procurement Act, 2006 and Public Procurement Rules, 2025. It also approved provisions for expedited procurement procedures using international open tender methods. A separate proposal for rice import under G2G arrangements received approval, including expedited procurement provisions within the same legal framework.
Officials noted that these decisions aim to ensure a stable food grain supply in the domestic market, maintain public stock, and quickly address global supply chain uncertainties. The meeting highlighted that logistics infrastructure development and food security measures are priority areas in the government’s economic management strategy.