Bangladesh, Aug. 17 -- Capital-machinery imports, crucial for setting up factories and expanding production, take an average of 13.3 days to clear through Chattogram port, with more than half of that time being consumed before customs even receives the Bill of Entry (B/E), according to a latest analysis by Chattogram Customs House.

Advertisement The findings were presented recently to Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury at a meeting at the CCH.

A one-day delay in cargo clearance is estimated to result in a 1.0 per cent loss of trade, according to research cited in the presentation.

There has long been a blame game over delays at Chattogram port, with customs, importers, C&F agents and port authorities frequently pointing fin...