Bangladesh’s Internal Revenue Department Secretary and Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, emphasised the importance of streamlining customs procedures to support the country’s import and export activities. Speaking after a meeting at the Benapole Customs House on Tuesday afternoon, he directed customs officials to expedite clearance processes and serve traders with professionalism and compassion.
Khan highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance service quality, stating, “Customs officials have been given strict instructions to facilitate import-export trade and clear goods from ports swiftly. We are working as service providers for the satisfaction of traders.” He also mentioned plans to overhaul the current ASYCUDA system, citing server issues as a significant obstacle. “We will soon introduce a new system by replacing the existing one and taking alternative measures to address the national server problem,” he added.
The NBR Chairman stressed that providing better facilities to traders would reduce complaints and boost trade efficiency. Specifically, he indicated openness to allowing land-based import of yarn, should traders request it.
Upon arrival at Benapole Customs House, Khan was welcomed by Customs House Commissioner Kamruzzaman and newly appointed Commissioner Khalid Mohammad Abu Hossain. He inspected various facilities, including the cargo vehicle terminal and the Benapole check post immigration at Benapole port, and assured officials that efforts would be made to resolve existing issues affecting import-export activities.
Khan was also accompanied by Mobinul Kabir, Member (Customs), and Moazzem Hossain, Member (Admin) of the NBR. Later, he engaged with representatives of the Benapole C&A Agent Association, attentively listening to their concerns and discussing potential solutions to facilitate smoother trade operations.
