Freight forwarders demand withdrawal of increased container handling fees
The increased rates are scheduled to come into effect from 1 September
The Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BFFA) has demanded the withdrawal of the decision made by the Bangladesh Inland Container Depot Association (Bicda) to increase container handling fees at the country's ports by 20% to 50%.
At a press conference held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in the capital's Segunbagicha today (30 August), BFFA leaders warned that the steep hike in charges would significantly raise export costs, thereby negatively impacting the national economy.
The increased rates are scheduled to come into effect from 1 September.
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Reading out a written statement at the briefing, BFFA member Abrarul Islam said, "If exports decline due to the additional handling charges, it will severely affect the country's foreign currency earnings."
He noted that the timing of the fee hike was particularly concerning given the ongoing global economic downturn, the country's internal economic and political challenges, rising market instability, and the impact of the United States' tariff policies on trade.
"In this critical juncture, Bicda's announcement of an unreasonable 20–50% increase in container handling fees for export goods has created deep concern within the export and logistics sectors," he said.
BFFA also urged the government to intervene urgently to address the issue in order to safeguard the interests of exporters and the overall economy.
