Collaboration: Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Starting date: September 15, 2026
Completion date: February 15, 2027

Project description: This project supports ADB, under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Program, in assessing and strengthening the ecosystem at and behind Chattogram Port, Bangladesh’s principal maritime gateway. Despite record cargo volumes in recent years, inefficiencies in port processes, infrastructure, and inter-agency coordination continue to raise logistics costs and limit the competitiveness of Bangladeshi trade.

The assignment maps export, import, transshipment, and transit processes across vessel clearance, cargo clearance, and cargo handling and delivery. It also assesses whether infrastructure at and behind the port is adequate for smooth, congestion-free cargo movement. The study further examines digital readiness, hinterland connectivity, the interface between the port and the city, and institutional coordination among the port authority, customs, other government agencies, and urban development bodies. Findings are benchmarked against leading regional and international ports and validated through field visits, stakeholder consultations, and workshops.

Team leader:
Ahamedul Karim Chowdhury, Team Leader and Port Process Expert

Team members:
Dr Selim Raihan, Adviser
Dr Md. Shamsul Hoque, Transport and Logistics Sector Expert
Prof. Dr Mohammad Shakil Akther, Urban Planner
Dr Razon Chandra Saha, Consultant and Data Expert