EBL–CPA partnership digitises Chattogram port’s payment system

In a landmark move towards digital transformation, Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has partnered with Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) to launch a fully automated digital payment system, leveraging secure API-based technology.

The new platform was officially launched at a ceremony held at Radisson Blu Chattogram on Saturday, according to a media release. 

Speaking as Chief Guest, Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain, Adviser to the Ministry of Shipping, said, “This is a bold step towards a smarter, more efficient future. The new system reflects CPA’s unwavering commitment to digital governance and will revolutionise the port’s payment infrastructure.”

The platform enables instant confirmation of VAT, AIT, and welfare payments, automates reconciliation, ensures transparent audit trails, reduces congestion at port facilities, and lowers operational costs—ultimately enhancing turnaround time for all stakeholders. Port users can now make payments from anywhere, marking a major advancement in user convenience and operational efficiency.

Dr. Sahadat Hossain, Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation said in his speech as special guest, said, “The successful launch of this digital payment system is a testament to the power of effective collaboration between Chittagong Port Authority and Eastern Bank. It reflects a shared commitment to innovation, transparency, and service excellence. I wholeheartedly welcome this initiative that enhances efficiency and aligns with our broader vision of a smart, future-ready city.”

Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, Chairman of Chittagong Port Authority, stated, “While our existing systems are robust, they were heavily reliant on manual processes. This partnership with EBL marks a significant shift toward a fully automated, secure, and transparent payment framework.”

Ali Reza Iftekhar, Managing Director of Eastern Bank, said, “Chattogram Port, the backbone of Bangladesh’s maritime trade, is taking a bold leap into the digital future with this platform—powered by EBL. This is more than a system upgrade; it’s a paradigm shift in revenue collection and service delivery.”

Senior officials from EBL present at the event included: Ahmed Shaheen, Additional Managing Director; Osman Ershad Faiz, Additional Managing Director and COO; Riad Mahmud Chowdhury, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Corporate Banking; Mehdi Zaman, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Treasury; M. Khorshed Anowar, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Retail and SME Banking; Md. Jabedul Alam, Head of Transaction Banking; Ahsan Ullah Chowdhury, Head of Digital Financial Services; Ziaul Karim, Head of Communications and External Affairs.