National Logistics Policy 2025 approved

The interim government has approved the National Logistics Policy 2025. The policy has been formulated to modernise, streamline, and make the country’s transport, supply, and trade systems more efficient and sustainable.

The approval came at the 47th meeting of the Advisory Council held at the Office of the Chief Adviser on Thursday, November 6. Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus presided over the meeting. After the meeting, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam shared the information at a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

Shafiqul Alam said, “When a policy is in place, the government can perform its duties properly and get guidance. Today’s policy serves as a very important directive for the logistics sector.”

He added that the implementation of the policy will increase both public and private investment in Bangladesh. It will attract foreign investment and enhance the competitiveness of the country’s export sector compared to its rivals.

The press secretary stated that at present, it sometimes takes up to 11 days to export goods from the country’s main seaport, Chattogram. Implementation of the logistics policy will make transportation and availability of goods much faster and make export activities easier.

He said a similar policy was formulated in 2024 but was later reassessed and found to have failed to meet expectations. Subsequently, a new draft was prepared by a committee led by Public Administration Secretary Ehsanul Haque.

Regarding the core objectives of the policy, the press secretary said that by 2050, priority will be given to railway and water transport sectors in logistics development. The country has around 3,000 kilometres of waterways, and their maximum use will be ensured.

He also mentioned that the policy includes opportunities for investment under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Through this, the logistics sector will be transformed into a digital ecosystem where all activities, including customs, fees, and documentation, can be completed instantly.

The main goal of the policy is to enhance international trade and investment capacity. As Bangladesh graduates from the least developed countries (LDC) list, it will gradually lose the tariff- and quota-free trade benefits it currently enjoys in global markets. As a result, the prices of Bangladeshi products will increase internationally. This policy will help strengthen the export sector’s competitiveness to offset the additional costs and overcome emerging challenges.