Dhaka, Aug. 31 -- Freight forwarders in Bangladesh have strongly opposed a sharp increase in container handling charges, warning that the move will severely impact the export trade.

The Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) has reportedly decided to raise charges by 20 percent to 80 percent for export containers, with the new rates set to take effect in September.

The protest was made through a press conference held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Saturday, organized by the general members of the Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFA).

The conference was presided over by Abrarur Alam, with other key members, including Adnan Mohammad Iqbal, Abul Hasan Shamsul Haq, Mahfuz Raihan, and Anwar Hossain Milan, also i...