Economy
Seaports, Land Ports Return to Normal After Quota Movement Disruptions
Import and export operations, along with customs procedures, have regained momentum at the country’s seaports and land ports following disruptions caused by recent unrest related to the quota movement and subsequent internet outages.
With the restoration of broadband internet services and improvements in law and order, activities at Chattogram Port, Mongla Port, and Benapole Land Port are returning to normal. This resurgence is marked by a noticeable increase in the volume of goods being loaded and unloaded.
In recent days, numerous covered vans, trucks, and trailers have been observed entering Chattogram Port, transporting goods to various locations across the country. Similar activity has been reported at Mongla Port and Benapole Land Port, a major entry point for goods.
Chattogram Custom House Commissioner Mohammad Faizur Rahman noted that operations at the major seaport are now running at full capacity, with even higher workloads in some instances. He mentioned that customs officials worked through the weekend to address delays caused by the internet outage, and port operations are now more efficient than before.
Benapole Land Port Director Rezaul Karim confirmed that operations at the land port have also returned to normal, with processes now fully automated.
Customs operations had been nearly halted following the internet shutdown on the night of July 18. During the outage, customs procedures at Benapole Port were carried out manually on a limited scale to handle perishable items. Now, the delivery of containers at Chattogram Port is gradually increasing, and numerous goods-laden trucks are entering Bangladesh through Benapole Port.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
