BM Container Depot Limited of Sitakunda, Chittagong, which was affected by the devastating fire explosion five months ago, has received approval for the management of export items from the country's readymade garment (RMG) sector.
The customs authority gave this temporary approval on Tuesday for three months under nine conditions.
Dhaka Tribune obtained a copy of the approval letter.
The 9 conditions include non-objection of the port, compliance with all depot-related policies, ensuring fire safety, implementation of dangerous goods management policies, etc.
However, if these conditions are not met, the approval will be cancelled after three months, the customs authority warned in the letter.
Earlier on late June 4, BM Depot was the victim of an explosion that claimed 51 lives, including members of the fire services, and left more than 200 people injured.
A part of the depot was obliterated into rubble due to the explosion and 154 containers carrying export goods and two containers carrying import goods were damaged as a result.
BM depot is one of the 20 container depots in Chittagong authorized by the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
Before the accident, the depot used to handle 8% of the total import and export goods.
Talking to Dhaka Tribune, Chittagong Customs Commissioner Mohammad Faizur Rahman said that BM Depot has been granted permission to keep and process garment products for three months under nine conditions.
“However, they must do all tasks in accordance with all conditions,” he said, adding that if they are unable to comply with the restrictions within this time frame, their temporary approval would be automatically revoked.
BM Depot General Manager Nurul Akhtar told Dhaka Tribune that customs authorities have allowed them three months to manage the products of the garment sector.
“We began functioning at the depot today after getting the letter from last Tuesday (October 25),” he added.
However, the BM depot has been redecorated and renovated.
“We are resolving the difficulties that previously existed. Since the accident, the depot has been undergoing renovations,” he added.
He also said that fire safety has been strengthened and they installed an adequate number of fire hydrants to provide a steady flow of water to extinguish the fire.
“We strive to meet all criteria as completely as possible,” he added.
Syed Nazrul Islam, first vice-president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and managing director of Chittagong-based Well Designers Limited, said that BM Depot is going to operate after a devastating fire accident.
“We request the BM Depot authority to follow the adequate safety measures related to fire, managing dangerous goods and others to conduct their operations,” he added.
He also said that the businesses urge all depot owners that there should be no weakness in the given safety measures and businesses will run around human life. So, ensuring their safety is the sole responsibility.
“Our condolences to the families of the brothers who lost their lives, and our support to the injured,” he added, saying that government agencies related to the bond, customs, and port are responsible for monitoring each depot.
“We request every government agency involved in the management of depots to inspect them regularly. Their inspections and monitoring must be strong enough to prevent such accidents in the future,” he added.
He also said that their requests to the authorities to take immediate action against any deficiency are seen in safety measures at any depot.
“In this regard, we, the business community, are ready to provide all kinds of assistance and support,” he added.
According to the insiders, after the accident, the operations of the BM depot were stopped, which put pressure on other depots.
Then the BGMEA, Chittagong Chamber and Depot Association wrote to NBR to approve the resume of import-export product management activities at this depot.
NBR directed customs authorities to take necessary action in this regard.
BM Depot authorities also applied to Customs in two rounds seeking permission to start all kinds of activities.
In this regard, they highlighted the progress of reform activities and security measures.
Then the customs authority allowed BM Depot to start the operation of export goods management of the garment sector for a temporary period.
Earlier on August 22, the depot had received permission to store and unload empty containers.
However, the customs authorities haven't allowed BM Depot to handle dangerous goods.
They need to establish separate canopies and premises before handling dangerous goods and also approval from the appropriate authorities, said the customs letter.
BM Depot was launched in 2011 with an investment of Tk150 crore by a joint venture of Bangladesh and the Netherlands.
The chairman of this depot is Dutch man named Robert Pronk.
Mostafizur Rahman is the managing director and Smart Jeans Managing Director Mujibur Rahman is the director.
