Exempting RMG sector from port storage delay fines to hurt others: DCCI

In a recent circular issued by the Ministry of Shipping, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on 2 June 2025, where it stated that the importers of the ready-made garment sector have been exempted from the imposition of additional four-fold store-rent from the expiry of the storage period of imported goods at Chittagong Port. But this facility will not be allowed for the other importers.

Being one of the largest trade organisations of the country, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), believes that most of the importers of the country are using Chittagong Port for importing goods. Traffic congestion on the highway, inadequate infrastructure facilities at the port and delay in the unloading process at the port often causes severe traffic congestions in the port area, due to which importers of all industry sectors are facing various challenges.

Taskeen Ahmed said that without improving the supply chain and logistics management of Chittagong port, communication infrastructure, mere increasing store rent four-fold will enhance the cost of doing business, as well as the country will lag behind among the competing countries as far as the logistic cost is concerned.

He also said that if special privileges are given to importers of only one sector that will create discriminations to other sectors. And it will be considered as a hindrance in ensuring a balanced business environment in the country, he added.

Due to this move, the importers other than the readymade garment sector using Chittagong Port may lag behind in the competitive business ecosystem.

DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed has also urged all the ports of the country to remain their export-import activities normal during the long holiday on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha and other festivals.

Meanwhile, the President of Dhaka Chamber strongly demands the government to consider the said issue so that the importers do not need to bear the cost of delay at the time of releasing imported goods, especially during this holiday occasion.