Chattogram port has begun to regain momentum in merchandise imports. In April, container handling at this seaport reached 141,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). Previously, in March and the first month of the fiscal year, July, container handling exceeded 140,000 TEUs.
Economically, there has been a reflection of this trend. According to analysis by the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the total import duty collected in the country in April amounted to Tk 55,459 crore. This is an increase from March, where imports totaled Tk 50,978 crore. The top-level industrialists in the country suggest that the recent conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and the dollar crisis in the country have significantly affected imports. However, this trend is starting to change. With a slight decrease in the LC crisis, there is now a trend towards significant imports. However, it is too early to say that the crisis is completely over. They argue that stringent control must be imposed on the importation of unnecessary goods. In the case of goods such as raw materials for industries, food, and medicine, it is necessary to keep it normal. Because if the import of essential goods and capital goods increases, its impact will be visible quickly in the economy.
The president of FBCCI and chairman of the M Alam Group, Mahbubul Alam Bonik, said, “It is necessary to keep the initiatives of Bangladesh Bank intact to control the importation of unnecessary goods. If import-related investment increases in the industrial sector than commercial imports, it will be considered beneficial. This will increase investment and bring back economic activities. It is essential to strengthen the country’s private sector through appropriate policies and planning to combat economic challenges.
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