DE News Desk :
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has directed all customs houses and stations across the country to remain operational from June 5 to 14, excluding Eid day, to ensure uninterrupted import and export activities in the lead-up to Eid-ul-Azha.
The move comes in response to a formal request from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), which stressed the critical importance of continuous customs operations for the country’s export-oriented ready-made garment (RMG) sector.
In a letter dated May 14, BGMEA administrator Md Anwar Hossain urged the NBR to keep customs services running during the holiday period, citing the time-sensitive nature of garment shipments. He warned that any disruption could lead to order cancellations, missed delivery deadlines, and significant losses in foreign exchange earnings.
The RMG sector, which is Bangladesh’s largest export earner, is currently grappling with a host of challenges, including US counter-tariffs, labour unrest, surging raw material costs, high interest rates, persistent energy shortages, and elevated transport expenses.
Despite these headwinds, exporters have managed to maintain strong ties with international buyers, ensuring a steady flow of orders. To maintain this momentum, the BGMEA underscored the need for consistent cooperation from key trade facilitation bodies, including ports, customs, banks, and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).
In response, the NBR on Tuesday issued an official directive confirming the continued operation of all major customs points, including the Chittagong Custom House, during the specified period.
The directive aims to support exporters in meeting shipment deadlines, avoiding order cancellations, and protecting the broader national interest during one of the most crucial trading periods of the year.