Dhaka: Dr. Sheik Moinuddin, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser at the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, underscored the importance of establishing a multimodal transportation ecosystem in Bangladesh. This system, comprising road, rail, river, air, and sea transport along with an information superhighway, is seen as crucial for enhancing the country’s competitiveness in global trade, especially in the post-LDC era. Dr. Moinuddin warned that without such an ecosystem, the economy could face significant challenges.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Moinuddin made these remarks while addressing a seminar organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) on ‘Enhancing Bangladesh’s Logistic Sector for Sustainable Economic Growth.’ Held at the DCCI auditorium, the seminar highlighted the lack of a comprehensive master plan as a significant barrier to the development of the logistics sector. Dr. Moinuddin revealed that the government is working on an integrated transport system for the next 25-50 years and urged private sector participation.
Md. Salim Ullah, Chairman of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), shared that a committee has been formed to revisit the logistics policy. Additionally, the BIWTA is preparing a master plan for the inland water transport logistics system. DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed emphasized the need to reduce logistics costs and improve efficiency to compete internationally, noting that Bangladesh ranks 88th in the Logistics Performance Index 2023. He highlighted the congestion and delays at ports like Chattogram and Mongla, which handle the majority of international trade.
Dr. M. Masrur Reaz, Chairman and CEO of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, pointed out the reliance on the RMG sector for export earnings, stressing diversification and new market exploration. Abul Kasem Khan of Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD) suggested a holistic master plan with significant investment to advance the logistics sector. Meanwhile, Md. Habibur Rahman from the Chittagong Port Authority projected a substantial increase in port capacity, calling for expanded import-export activities.
Alamgir Morshed, Executive Director and CEO of IDCOL, identified long-term financing as a bottleneck, while Shamim Ul Huq of DP World Bangladesh advocated for digitalization in warehouses. Humayun Kabir from the Asian Development Bank expressed the institution’s readiness to support logistics policy implementation. Mohammad Naquib Uddin Khan of the Bangladesh Supply Chain Management Society emphasized cost reduction and speed enhancement in logistics.
The seminar also featured discussions on establishing compliant Inland Container Depots (ICDs), improving river navigability through dredging, boosting port-led economic activities, and enhancing coordination among government bodies. DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury and Vice President Md. Salem Sulaiman were present among other attendees.