The government today gave final approval to the National Logistics Policy 2025, which aims to modernise Bangladesh’s transport and trade infrastructure, enhance export competitiveness, and promote environmentally sustainable logistics growth.
The Council of Advisers gave the approval at its 47th meeting held at the Chief Adviser’s Office here with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in the chair.
“If there is a policy, the government can do its work properly, and it gets a direction. This policy will act as a very important directive for the logistics sector,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.
He was addressing a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy here this afternoon after the advisory council meeting.
The press secretary stated that the new policy will increase investment in both the private and public sectors in the country, while also attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI). As a result, Bangladesh’s export sector will become more competitive compared to rival countries.
Noting that it will significantly reduce export delays, he said that currently, it sometimes takes up to 11 days to export goods at the Chattogram Port.
“If this logistics policy can be implemented, the transportation and availability of goods will be much faster, and the export process will be easier. And the foreign investors will be more interested in investing in Bangladesh,” Shafiqul Alam said.
According to the approved policy, which contains 11 chapters, railways and waterways will be prioritised over road transport by 2050, he said, adding, it will help ensure maximum utilisation of the country’s about 3,000 kilometres of navigable waterways.
The press secretary also said that the policy would encourage investments through the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) model.
The new policy provides a strategic roadmap for creating a digital logistics ecosystem that integrates customs, shipping, and transport data in real time, he said, adding, exporters will be able to track shipments from Bangladesh at their fingertips, similar to global logistics systems.
Replying to a question, Shafiqul Alam said, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has emphasised taking the infrastructural development forward, avoiding harming rivers.
This logistic policy has attached importance to the Chief Adviser’s instruction and integrated principles of the government’s multimodal transport policy, focusing on efficient coordination among rail, road, and river systems, the press secretary added.
Chief Adviser’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad and Assistant Press Secretary Shuchismita Tithi were present at the briefing.
