His Excellency Dr. Rajeev Ranjan, Assistant High Commissioner of India, paid a courtesy visit to Bangladesh Shipping Agents’ Association (BSAA) Office located at Makkah Madina Trade Centre (2nd Floor), 78, Chattogram at 12.00 noon on 14 November, 2023. The meeting was attended by members of the Board of Directors of BSAA, the Director of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry and some of the representatives of Member Agents of BSAA.

Mr. Syed Mohammad Arif, Chairman of BSAA, extended a warm welcome to the esteemed guest, His Excellency Dr. Rajeev Ranjan with a flower bouquet and honorary crest on behalf of BSAA. Chairman provided an overview of the Association's activities to the distinguished guest and discussed recent developments in the logistics and shipping sectors in Chittagong, particularly highlighting Matarabri Deep Sea Port and newly constructed Patenga Container Terminal & Bay Terminal project of CPA. Chairman of BSAA expressed his heartfelt gratitude for India's key role during Independence War of Bangladesh in 1971. Directors of BSAA, Mr. Mohammed Muntasir Rubayat, Mr. Mamunur Rashid and representatives of Member Agents, Mr. Enamul Hoque, Head of Operation & Logistics, CMA-CGM; Mr. Anil K. Chowdhury, Deputy Managing Director of AMMS International Limited and Mr. Mahfuzul Hoque Shah, Director of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry participated in the discussion. The speakers highlighted important concerns during the discussion, such as the Indian Government's imposition of Anti-dumping Tax on the export of Jute goods from Bangladesh. They emphasized the need to streamline customs regulations and deploy Coastal Vessels and Barges for the importation of Raw Cotton, Fly Ash and Scrap Iron. Additionally, they urged Dr. Rajeev to submit a proposal to the relevant authorities for the transportation of Containers from Chittagong Port to Agartala and other inland points through Railway via Akhaura.

Dr. Rajeev Ranjan, Assistant High Commissioner of India, conveyed his appreciation to the Chairman and Board of Directors of BSAA, as well as all attendees for arranging the courtesy meeting. In his speech, he informed that Bangladesh-India relations is very special in all dimensions, particularly in trade and commerce.  Dr. Ranjan expressed optimism about positive changes in Bangladesh's logistics sector, citing recent government projects that will enhance connectivity and elevate Chittagong to a global commercial hub. He also paid deep respect to the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He has further informed about noting of all points raised in the meeting and will place to H.E. High Commissioner of India.

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Mohammed Shafiqul Alam Jewel, Vice-Chairman; Mr. Md. Reaz Uddin Khan, Vice-Chairman; Mr. Md. Azfar Ali; Mr. Syed Sohel Hasnat; Mr. Rafiqul Anwar Babu, Mr. Md. Nazrul Islam; Mr. Nazmul Hoque, Mr. S. M. Enamul Haque, Mr. Mohammed Aslam, Mr. Md. Enam-UL Hoque; Director of BSAA and Mr. Wahid Alam, Executive Director of Reliance Shipping and Logistics Limited.