Written by The Banking Post
Freight forwarders have demanded an immediate reversal of the decision to raise cargo handling charges at the country’s ports, warning that the move will hurt exports, imports, and overall foreign exchange earnings.
The Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFFA) made the call at a press conference on Saturday at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU). Leaders said the decision by the Bangladesh Inland Container Depot Association (BICDA) to increase charges by 20–50 per cent, in some cases up to 80 per cent, from September 1, is “unreasonable” and comes at a time of global and domestic economic stress.
According to BICDA’s revised tariff, container handling charges will rise from Tk 6,187 to Tk 9,900 for a 20-foot export container, from Tk 8,250 to Tk 13,200 for a 40-foot container, and from Tk 8,250 to Tk 14,900 for a 45-foot high-cube container. New fees have also been introduced on empty containers, lift-on/lift-off, documentation, and ground rent.
“This decision has raised serious concerns for the country’s export-oriented economy, especially during this critical period,” said BAFFA leader Abrarul Alam. He cited a combination of global slowdown, local economic weakness, political uncertainty, US tariff hikes, and volatile markets as reasons why the hike would be particularly damaging.
BAFFA leaders warned that exporters may lose competitiveness, foreign buyers may shift orders elsewhere, and the country could face reduced foreign currency earnings.
They placed a three-point demand, including:
- an immediate review of the decision,
- direct government intervention, and
- reforms to improve service quality, transparency, and efficiency at depots instead of hiking fees.
BAFFA, which has around 1,200 members, is currently under an administrator appointed by the government following allegations against the previous committee.
Freight forwarders play a key role in global trade by managing logistics, rate negotiations, bookings, customs clearance, and insurance to ensure cost-effective delivery of goods.
