CHATTOGRAM, Feb 20, 2026 (V7N) - Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today urged port and customs officials to ensure delivery of cargoes within four days from port yards, stressing efficiency and transparency in operations.

At a meeting with port users, business leaders, and senior officials of Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) and Chattogram Customs House (CCH), the minister expressed dissatisfaction over the outdated condition of scanning machines at the country’s main seaport. He directed officials to make the machines functional immediately to avoid delays and congestion.

“We will not allow such inaction, which is causing unusual delay in goods delivery and cargo congestion,” he said, adding that port operations must follow best global practices to reduce costs and prevent negative impacts on commodity prices, trade, and industry.

The minister, elected from Chattogram-11 (Bandar-Patenga), assured stakeholders of coordination with concerned ministries to resolve problems. He asked CPA and CCH officials to submit written reports on challenges to expedite solutions.

Leaders of the Chattogram Port Users Forum pledged cooperation for smooth functioning of the port. Some issues raised by stakeholders were resolved instantly after discussions with senior officials.

“We will work to find pragmatic solutions of all problems in order to bring discipline and transparency in port operations for the greater interest of the economy,” Chowdhury said.

CCH Commissioner Md Shafi Ullah, CPA Member (Harbour) Md Abdullah, CPA Director (Security) Lt Col Md Zahirul Islam, and leaders of port users and trade associations attended the meeting.

END/AJ/RH