FROM PAGE B1

in production and export costs, higher inflationary pressure on consumers, and a possible decline in the country’s ranking in international logistics and ease of doing business indices.

It made three specific recommendations, including the suspension of the implementation of the new tariff and the initiation of a time-bound review.

It proposed consultation with all stakeholders such as shipping agents, importers, exporters, vessel owners, and business platforms before finalising any revision.

It also urged maintaining a cost-based and service-oriented approach in port operations rather than revenue-driven decisions.

Referring to the government’s diplomatic success in securing tariff relief from the United States in recent trade talks, the forum cautioned that “reintroducing higher tariffs at home would undermine those hard-earned gains.”

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Maritime Law Society (BMLS) served a legal notice on the government and the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) seeking the cancellation of the recently issued CPA circular enforcing the new port tariff, terming it “illegal and beyond the provisions of the parent law.”

In the notice, the BMLS urged the authorities to withdraw the CPA circular dated September 30, 2025, which directed that the new tariff schedule would be effective from October 15.

BMLS President Mohiuddin Abdul Kadir served the notice on the secretaries to the shipping, finance, and law ministries, the CPA chairman, and its chief finance and accounts officer.

The notice said the BMLS would initiate legal measures if the circular was not withdrawn within 72 hours.