New logistics policy positions Bangladesh as a 2050 trade hub
The interim government has unveiled the National Logistics Policy 2025, aiming to position Bangladesh as a leading regional trade and logistics hub by 2050.
It seeks to strengthen the country's capacity for domestic and international trade by developing a world-class logistics system that is technology-driven, integrated, efficient, sustainable and environmentally sound.
Earlier, a similar policy was approved by the ousted Awami League-led government in April 2024. However, after the political changeover in August that year, the interim government has annulled the previous policy and formulated a new one.
The new policy comes as Bangladesh is set to graduate from the least developed country (LDC) status next year, when the country will lose its current duty-free and quota-free market privileges, driving up the cost of its export products in international markets.
The policy has been prepared as a strategic tool to prepare the country for post-LDC and other upcoming challenges, the government said in a gazette on November 19.
As per the gazette, all activities relating to the logistics sector and its sub-sectors will follow this policy. It is expected to support trade growth, attract investment, raise efficiency across the supply chain and help develop a skilled workforce.
The policy provides direction for advancing logistics services, formulating specific strategies for sub-sectors, and introducing measurable performance indicators.
It also aims to reduce the time and cost of logistics by improving efficiency in production, collection, storage, transport, shipping, customs clearance and distribution in line with international standards.
A seamless and uninterrupted logistics ecosystem is envisioned by integrating all service providers under a unified framework. The development of multimodal infrastructure will be prioritised, alongside the optimal use of existing facilities.
The policy also promises advanced, digitalised logistics management, including modern tracking and tracing systems.
It focuses on streamlining and harmonising laws, regulations, policies and procedures relating to trade, investment, customs and logistics.
By fostering a world-class, investment-friendly environment, it seeks to attract, retain and expand competitive domestic and foreign investment across logistics sub-sectors.
Ultimately, the policy seeks to improve Bangladesh's position in global logistics indicators and transform the economy into a regional logistics hub.
Speaking on the matter, Masrur Reaz, chairman of Policy Exchange of Bangladesh, said it is encouraging that the logistics policy has finally been activated through the release of the 2025 version.
"The policy is critical for addressing weaknesses in the sector and building the capacity required to improve post-LDC export competitiveness and other pressures," he said.
Reaz noted that expanding port capacity, improving multimodal transport, enhancing storage facilities and strengthening logistics and shipping services should be key priorities. "From this perspective, the new policy sends a strong signal to global trade and investment partners."
However, he cautioned that issuing a policy is only a starting point, as Bangladesh's past record in implementation has not been satisfactory.
"The government must therefore focus on clear implementation arrangements, timelines, inter-agency coordination and effective monitoring to ensure the policy delivers tangible benefits for the economy," he said.
