A worker sky-lifts a container at the yard of KDS Logistics in Chittagong yesterday. KDS launched a Tk 300 crore inland container depot.Photo: STAR

KDS Logistics Ltd launched a Tk 300 crore inland container depot (ICD) yesterday to provide "world-class" logistics solutions.
KDS Logistics, a unit of leading apparel and accessories maker KDS Group, is equipped to handle 35,000 TEUs (twenty-equivalent units) of empty and laden containers.
The ICD runs with 'purpose-built' equipment such as trackers and side filters that safeguard containers against damage.
Shipping Minister Afsarul Amin inaugurated the country's largest private off-dock logistics yard, built on 46 acres at Sonaichhari in Sitakunda.
KDS Group Chairman Khalilur Rahman chaired the ceremony, while Md Salim Rahman, managing director of KDS Logistics, delivered a welcome speech.
Afsarul lauded the role of KDS in the country's socioeconomic development for over two decades and said the gigantic and modern ICD would definitely set an example for other entrepreneurs in the private sector.
“We have come a long way since independence. This is not the time to stand still. This is the time to move towards economic emancipation with active participation of public and private sectors,” the minister said.
Industries Minister Dilip Barua, who attended the programme as special guest, said entrepreneurs must have a vision of industrialisation and KDS Logistics is the brainchild of such vision, badly needed to stay competitive.
Barua urged entrepreneurs to establish more industries in Bangladesh.
“As long as I'm in charge of the industries ministry I will make sure that no setbacks hinder efforts to set up industries,” Barua said.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hasan Mahmud stressed efforts to enhance the multipurpose capacity of Chittagong port.
The country's premier seaport recorded annual handling growth at 15 percent.
"The port may not withstand the increasing pressure of handling containers after five to six years,” he said. “We need more private operators to rise to future challenges.”
In his speech, Salim Rahman, MD of KDS Logistics, has highlighted the salient features of the state-of-the-art ICD.
KDS Logistics stands out with modern features in construction, equipment, a security system, compliances and business process, Rahman said.
"It adheres to global standards of an off-dock facility."
“With an area of two-lakh square-feet, the CFS (container freight station) or warehouse of KDS Logistics is among the largest in Bangladesh," he said.
"Because of the nature of the cargo and their customer in this CFS, strict compliance about health and safety and business process is rigorously maintained," Rahman said.
The CFS has 42 bays and a fully-covered loading and unloading platform to accommodate 160 trucks and 63 containers.
Rahman urged the government to allow private ICDs to handle more import items to ease congestion at the Chittagong port.