In response to a request from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), a policy decision has been made to waive demurrage charges imposed on imported garment products currently held up at the Chattogram port due to the ongoing national crisis.
On 28 July, a BGMEA delegation led by its President, SM Mannan (Kochi), met with Honorable Minister of State for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury at his office. During this meeting, the delegation requested the waiver of port demurrage charges, and a policy decision was subsequently made in this regard.
Currently, a large number of import containers are waiting to be cleared at the Chattogram port, with the majority pertaining to the garment industry. Already, over Tk10 crore in port demurrage charges have been levied on garment exporters.
In light of this situation, the delegation requested the quick clearance of these containers without demurrage charges to ensure uninterrupted import-export operations through the port and to support timely delivery of goods as per buyer agreements.
The Honorable Minister of State for Shipping acknowledged the contribution of the garment industry to the national economy and assured that his ministry is always ready to extend all possible support to the sector.
The BGMEA delegation included First Vice-President Syed Nazrul Islam, Senior Vice-President Khandakar Rafiqul Islam, Vice-President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, and Directors Ashikur Rahman (Tuhin) and Mohammad Mohiuddin Rubel.
