Dhaka, Aug. 31 -- The country's freight forwarders on Saturday called for a review of the decision to increase cargo handling charges at ports, expressing concern that it would have a severe impact on the country's economy by hindering both exports and imports.

Protesting the move by container depot operators to raise these charges, they said that the decision would negatively affect foreign exchange earnings and could lead to the loss of foreign buyers for local products.

They mentioned that container handling charges would rise by an average of 20 to 50 per cent, with some charges increasing by up to 80 per cent. The decision is set to take effect from September 1.

The Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFFA) made the call f...