High Court suspends 41% port tariff hike at Chattogram for one month
Court order halts controversial tariff hike. The High Court has suspended the 41% increase in service tariffs at Chattogram Port for one month, issuing a rule asking why the decision should not be declared illegal and cancelled permanently.
The order came on Sunday (November 9, 2025) from a High Court bench comprising Justice Kazi Zinat Haque and Justice Ainun Nahar Siddika, following a writ petition filed by the Bangladesh Maritime Law Society (BMLS). The court also directed the Shipping Secretary, Chattogram Port Chairman, and other relevant officials to implement the suspension and submit responses within four weeks.
Background to the tariff controversy
The port authority had implemented the new tariff from midnight on October 14, marking the first revision since 1986, despite strong objections from port users and trade bodies.
According to the BMLS petition, the average charge for a 20-foot container was raised from Tk 11,849 to Tk 16,243, adding Tk 5,720 per imported container and Tk 3,045 per exported one. Similarly, container handling fees rose from $43.40 to $68 per unit, significantly increasing logistics and operational costs.
The society further argued that setting tariffs in US dollars would expose businesses to currency fluctuation risks, potentially raising the cost of imports, exports, and industrial production while adding inflationary pressure on the economy.
Stakeholders question transparency and legality.
The Bangladesh Maritime Law Society alleged that the consultants involved in the tariff formulation process lacked experience in port management or maritime operations. It also claimed that no transparent procedure was followed in appointing them.
In addition, the petition pointed out a procedural violation of the Port Act 1908 (Section 33[5]), which requires tariff changes to be implemented 60 days after gazette publication. However, the new rates announced via SRO on September 14 were enforced just a month later—rendering the decision unlawful.
BMLS demands policy dialogue and review
The BMLS and allied trade stakeholders urged the government to form a joint consultative committee comprising port users, industry representatives, and authorities to review and rationalize the tariff structure.
They warned that the sudden tariff increase would undermine Bangladesh’s trade competitiveness, raising costs across the export-import value chain, including textiles, raw materials, and consumer goods.
The organization also referenced Bangladesh’s recent diplomatic success in averting US tariff threats, noting that raising domestic tariffs would send a contradictory signal and hurt the country’s industrial growth and export momentum.
Industry reaction and next steps
Industry insiders and port users welcomed the court’s intervention, calling it a timely relief for the trade community. Many emphasized that the suspension provides a crucial window for policy correction and stakeholder consultation.
If implemented without revision, the tariff hike would have impacted Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) and textile export sector, which depends heavily on Chattogram Port for over 90% of the country’s trade volume.
The High Court’s order now puts the responsibility on the authorities to justify the rationale, transparency, and legality of the tariff hike within the next four weeks—a development closely watched by exporters, importers, and industry associations.
