Photo: BSS

SANGSAD BHABAN, June 11, 2026 (BSS) – Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today proposed a strong reform agenda aimed at modernising ports, improving logistics infrastructure, and boosting investment competitiveness in Bangladesh.

The Finance Minister, while placing the Tk 9.38 lakh crore budget in the Jatiya Sangsad, emphasized structural improvements in trade and transport systems to support long-term economic growth and private sector expansion.

A key focus of the budget is the transformation of Chattogram into a modern commercial and logistics hub. 

The minister said that the government plans to enhance port capacity, efficiency, and connectivity, positioning the port city as a regional gateway for trade and investment.

“The reforms are intended to reduce logistics costs, improve turnaround time for imports and exports, and strengthen supply chain reliability—key factors for attracting both domestic and foreign investors,” he added.

Alongside port modernisation, he mentioned, the budget also outlines broader infrastructure upgrades and region-based economic planning, aiming to align industrial development with local comparative advantages.

In the northern region, the minister said, priority will be given to agro-based industrialization through the development of specialized agro-processing industries, cold-chain facilities, storage infrastructure, food processing industries, and logistics networks in agriculturally intensive districts.

Furthermore, he said, a comprehensive development programme will be implemented for the haor and wetland regions, focusing on agriculture, fisheries, duck farming, tourism, and biodiversity conservation to ensure sustainable livelihoods.