Bangladesh has introduced its inaugural logistics policy, aiming for sustainable economic growth by enhancing trade and investment capabilities through a modern, efficient, and eco-friendly logistics system.
Published in the gazette by the Prime Minister’s Office on April 28, the policy targets reducing delays and costs across logistics services, fostering efficiency from production to distribution, based on global standards.
To oversee implementation, two key committees will be established: the National Council for Logistics Development (NCLD) and the National Logistics Development and Coordination Committee (NLDCC).
The NCLD, led by the Prime Minister, will guide policy implementation and amendments, while the NLDCC, headed by the principal secretary, will monitor progress.
Recognising existing challenges such as high logistics costs, the policy outlines strategic reforms to boost export earnings by 19 per cent even as it emphasised multi-dimensional transport systems to streamline domestic cargo movement, aiming to reduce road transport from 77 per cent to 60 per cent, while enhancing waterway and railway transport.
Action plans within the policy span infrastructure development, connectivity enhancement, and streamlining trade procedures. It proposes connecting airports, seaports, economic zones, and industrial areas via highways and railways.
Additionally, it advocates for modernising seaport equipment, establishing more inland container depots, and rationalising port charges.
The policy underscores private sector involvement through public-private partnerships, aiming to address obstacles hindering efficient logistics operations.
According to reports, while stakeholders commended the policy’s arrival, some expressed regret over its delayed implementation.