In view of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has decided to continue import-export activities on a limited scale at the country's customs houses and customs stations even on government and weekly holidays.
A directive issued by the Customs Policy Branch of the NBR on Monday (March 9) stated that the concerned departments have been asked to take necessary measures to keep customs-related activities running even during the holidays from March 17 to March 23 (excluding Eid).
The NBR said that this decision has been taken to keep the country's import-export trade uninterrupted.
This initiative has been taken to ensure timely dispatch of various export goods, including readymade garment, especially in view of Eid and quick clearance of imported goods.
The directive said that this decision has been taken in view of a request from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
Taking into account the needs of the export-oriented industry, initiatives have been taken to keep customs activities open on a limited basis even during holidays.
In this regard, the NBR has directed the commissioners of all major customs houses and stations in the country to take necessary measures.
These include Dhaka, Chittagong, Benapole, ICD Kamalapur, Mongla, Pangaon, Chittagong ICD and Bhomra customs stations. In addition, the customs, excise and VAT commissionerates of various regions have also been instructed to implement the matter.
In addition, the governor of Bangladesh Bank has been requested to give necessary instructions to all commercial banks in the country, so that banking activities related to import and export remain uninterrupted.
At the same time, the relevant business organizations including FBCCI, Foreign Chamber, Dhaka Metropolitan Chamber, Chittagong Chamber, BGMEA, BKMEA and Freight Forwarders Association have been asked to inform their members about the matter.
Businessmen believe that if customs operations are continued on a limited scale even during the Eid holidays, congestion in shipping export goods and unloading import goods will be reduced and international trade activities will continue to move forward.