BKMEA chief bats for foreign operators at ports to enhance efficiency

Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Mohammad Hatem has urged the government to engage foreign operators to run the country’s ports, saying it would boost efficiency and help local workers learn modern technologies.

Speaking at a roundtable on “Challenges, Opportunities, and Way Forward in Shipping & Logistics Landscape” organised by The Financial Express (FE) in Dhaka, , Hatem criticised a recent 40 per cent increase in charges at Chattogram Port, calling it “unjustified”.

“A port is a service-oriented organisation. Such a steep rise in charges without any discussion or logical explanation is unjustified,” he said, questioning why a government agency should seek excessive profits.

The BKMEA president stressed the need to operationalise the Bay Terminal without delay and make full use of Mongla and Payra ports to help achieve the $100 billion export target.

He also pointed to chronic gas and electricity shortages, along with poor law and order, as major obstacles for exporters.

Hatem called for uninterrupted energy supply and stronger security measures to keep the sector competitive.

Professor Md Mamun Habib of Independent University, Bangladesh delivered the keynote address.

Shipping ministry senior secretary Mohammad Yousuf attended as the chief guest.

The event was chaired by FE Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid, while Shiabur Rahman, head of online at the newspaper, moderated it.