Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) has proposed gradually allowing 80% of imported goods to be cleared through private Inland Container Depots (ICDs), or off-docks, in an effort to reduce congestion at Chattogram Port and improve the country’s logistics efficiency.
The proposal has been submitted to the finance ministry as part of a broader deregulation initiative aimed at facilitating trade and improving the ease of doing business in Bangladesh.
According to BIDA, expanding the use of private ICDs could increase the handling capacity of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT) by nearly 1.6 to 2 times by reducing operational pressure at the port.
Currently, the National Board of Revenue allows clearance of only 65 categories of imported goods through private ICDs, although all export cargo is already handled through 21 off-docks across the country. BIDA noted that the limited scope of import clearance through ICDs contributes significantly to congestion and delays in port operations.
The agency also proposed introducing a regular risk-based review system for off-docks to ensure compliance and operational efficiency. In addition, BIDA recommended expanding 24/7 banking and customs services to support uninterrupted port activities and faster cargo handling.
Business leaders and economists welcomed the initiative, saying it could help reduce operational costs, shorten lead times and improve Bangladesh’s global competitiveness.
Professor Mustafizur Rahman, distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue, said reducing turnaround time and improving logistics efficiency have become crucial for attracting investment and enhancing export competitiveness.
Meanwhile, Abul Kasem Khan, chairperson of Business Initiative Leading Development, described the proposal as timely, noting that greater use of ICDs would significantly reduce pressure on the port and streamline customs-related activities.
According to data from the Chittagong Port Authority, the port handled more than 3.4 million TEUs of containers between January and December 2025.
