Ex-BAFFA chief backs foreign operators in logistics sector

Former Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFFA) president Kabir Ahmed has voiced support for bringing foreign operators into the country’s logistics sector, saying vested interests continue to resist reforms.

Speaking at a roundtable in Dhaka on “Challenges, Opportunities, and Way Forward in Shipping & Logistics Landscape”, organised by The Financial Express (FE), Mr Ahmed also called for urgent reforms at Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. He noted that all four Explosive Detection System (EDS) machines at the airport remain out of service.

He identified the National Board of Revenue (NBR) as the biggest obstacle to improving logistics, urging policy changes to enhance port efficiency and ensure accountability for delays.

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.