Bangladesh ‘five decades behind’ in logistics, needs urgent reforms: Masrur Reaz

Dr M Masrur Reaz, Chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, has stated that the country is lagging ‘five decades behind’ in logistics development due to the absence of a comprehensive policy, regulatory framework, and market development until the recent logistics strategy was initiated.

He made the remarks on Sunday while speaking at a roundtable discussion titled “Challenges, Opportunities, and Way Forward in Shipping & Logistics Landscape” as the chief guest.

Speaking on the country’s preparedness for heightened global trade competition, Reaz highlighted that Bangladesh’s higher production and export costs, exacerbated by US tariffs and impending LDC graduation, could be significantly reduced through logistics efficiency.

He expressed criticism of prolonged delays in implementing the National Logistics Policy, arguing that Bangladesh has already lost a decade of progress.

The public policy expert underscored the urgent necessity of reforming port management and called for the immediate engagement of global private operators at Chattogram Port.

The Financial Express organised the event at Lakeshore Heights hotel in the capital’s Gulshan.

Shamsul Huq Zahid, Editor of The Financial Express, chaired the discussion.

Md. Mamun Habib, Professor, Independent University, Bangladesh, delivered the keynote address, with the session moderated by Shiabur Rahman Shihab, Head of Online at The Financial Express.