Lack of appropriate temperature-controlled logistics in Bangladesh results in post-harvest losses, affects food safety, and limits trade in agricultural and consumer products, said Chargé d’Affaires of US Embassy Dhaka, Helen LaFave. "Cold chain infrastructure would enable Bangladeshi agricultural producers to diversify export opportunities by ensuring the safety and quality of their agricultural products," she said. US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has awarded a feasibility study grant to Bangladeshi prepared foods and cold chain services company Bonton Foods Limited (Bonton Foods) to support the deployment of a temperature-controlled logistics network of cold storage refrigeration warehouses in Bangladesh. This feasibility study will identify opportunities for increased U.S. investment in cold chain, which would create a stable logistics network for refrigerated and frozen U.S. products that meet the consumer demands of the rapidly growing Bangladesh middle class, Helen LaFave said. The study’s goal is to lower costs and reduce losses of dairy, meat, and other food products, resulting in improved food security for people across the country, USTDA said recently. Read: Bangladesh to reap long-term benefits of US investment: Commercial Counselor of US Embassy Bonton Foods selected Minnesota-based Land O’Lakes Venture37 to conduct the study. “Facilitating private sector investment is vital to Bangladesh’s food security goals. Our partnership with Bonton Foods will help mobilize capital and deploy innovative solutions that address the needs of Bangladesh’s people,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “We look forward to demonstrating the positive role that U.S. technology can play in unlocking greater access to fresh foods.” While Bangladesh has 2.7 million metric tons of cold storage refrigeration capacity across over 300 sites, the country’s current cold chain industry cannot meet demands, particularly in rural areas. As a result, animal proteins and produce are handled primarily via wet markets with little to no mechanical refrigeration support, which can lead to food spoilage and loss. The USTDA-funded study will address these challenges by facilitating the construction of an integrated network of third-party logistics cold storage facilities across Bangladesh. Shamim Ahamed, Managing Director of Bonton Foods, said the country’s large population—20 million people in greater Dhaka alone—a growing upper and middle-class, and changing consumer patterns signal a bright future for the cold chain industry. Read more:  US investment in Bangladesh's tech market to pave the way for the development of digital economy of two countries: Palak "We are keen to leverage our position in the market by expanding third-party logistics services to small and medium-sized agribusinesses as well as international food importers and exporters,” he said. USTDA’s study advances the goals of Biden-Harris Administration priorities such as the Feed the Future initiative. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create US jobs through the export of the U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies.

The feasibility study on Chattogram metro rail began on Tuesday. Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader joined the inauguration programme of the feasibility study virtually. Addressing the event, Quader said,“Today is a historic day for Chattogram as we have started the feasibility study of the metro rail.” Read more: KOICA to render pre-survey on introducing metro rail in Chattogram The study will be conducted at an estimated cost of TK 70 crore. Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica) will provide TK 50 crore, while the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges will provide the rest. The feasibility study is scheduled to be completed by March 2025. Read more: Govt to start feasibility study on Metrorail in Chattogram: Quader Tasks of the feasibility study include an integrated plan on transport in the city, reviewing and updating  theongoing and completed projects, conducting transport survey, assessment and evaluation of future traffic demand, economic evaluation of projects, pre-feasibility study of Mass Rapid Transit Network Proposal, planning public transport system, traffic safety, etc.