PM orders 24-hour operations at all ports to expedite import-export

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered all ports in the country to operate round the clock to facilitate domestic trade and accelerate import-export activities. He gave the directive at a high-level meeting with the country's top businessmen and industrialists at the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon on Saturday (August 1) afternoon .

Prime Minister's Adviser and Office Spokesperson Mahdi Amin briefed journalists after the meeting, sharing details of the decisions taken in response to the business community's demands.

He said, "The private sector proposed whether commercial activities at Chittagong Port or Dhaka airport could be made 24/7. The Prime Minister gave immediate directives on this matter. All government departments will work together to ensure that every port in Bangladesh can provide 24-hour services in the coming days. This will make import-export faster and more efficient."

Referring to the detailed discussions on private sector challenges, existing complexities and the overall investment climate, Mahdi Amin said, "The Prime Minister discussed with the private sector how to attract more investment to economic zones, BEZA and BEPZA, and how to simplify complexities. Relevant ministers, state ministers, advisers and heads of various departments also shared their views."

Reaffirming the government's policy support for private sector development, the PM's adviser said, "Under the Prime Minister's leadership, we want a state system where there will be policy support from the government for the private sector. We have seen a pro-business, pro-investment budget and we will implement those policies. The main objective will be to further develop employment and self-employment opportunities for Bangladesh's vast demographic dividend—our youth and women."

Highlighting the government's core philosophy, Mahdi Amin added, "The Prime Minister always says—we will work, build the country, Bangladesh first. Today's discussion was held prioritising Bangladesh's interests. Private sector representatives sincerely welcomed the government's journey to implement a people-friendly government, budget and policies."

The adviser noted that businessmen expressed satisfaction at the immediate decisions taken on various policy proposals presented at the meeting. He said the main objective of the government's high-level engagement is to further ease business operations, increase investment growth and create vast employment opportunities across the country.