Chattogram Port Authority and private inland depot operators have agreed to explore joint policy reforms to ease container congestion.
Priority issues included accelerating delivery, streamlining container scanning, and expanding yard capacity to ensure smoother logistics operations.
The discussion took place during a courtesy meeting today (31 July) between the newly elected president of the Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (Bicda), Khalilur Rahman, and Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman.
Both sides emphasised collaboration to make port operations more dynamic and responsive to growing cargo volumes.
Proposals presented by the Bicda officials included allowing direct delivery of imported containers to off-dock depots, introducing automated scanning systems, and limiting in-port container scanning where feasible.
They also discussed expediting auctions for long-dwelling containers and reviewing hook-point charges for smoother movement and agreed to continue discussions to align port and depot operations more closely.
Rear Admiral Moniruzzaman congratulated the new Bicda leadership and encouraged depot owners to work closely with the port to improve coordination. He stressed that joint initiatives would be crucial to managing increasing container traffic effectively and ensuring efficient port operations.
The Bicda delegation also called for policy-level steps to enhance pre-stacking facilities and expand port yard space to accommodate peak-season traffic without delays.
CPA officials present at the meeting included Captain Ahmed Amin Abdullah, Member (Harbor and Marine); Md Mahbub Alam Talukder, Member (Finance); Enamul Karim, Director (Traffic); and Md Omar Faruk, Secretary.
Alongside President Khalilur Rahman, the Bicda team included Vice President Haji Mohammad Hossain, Secretary General Md Ruhul Amin Sikder, Directors Mohammad Shah Alam and Imran Fahim Noor, Esfarul Qayyum Khan, and KDS Logistics Executive Director Ahsanul Kabir.
Source: The Business Standard