Bangladesh garment leaders push for faster exports with customs reforms in Chattogram
During separate meetings with senior customs officials in Chattogram, leaders of BGMEA emphasized the need for modernization of customs services, stronger coordination, and simplification of procedures to accelerate and streamline export operations.
On April 20, 2026, a BGMEA delegation held separate meetings with Abu Bashar Md. Shafiqul Rahman, Commissioner of the newly established ICD Customs House, Chattogram; Mohammad Shafi Uddin, Customs Commissioner, Chattogram; and Md. Zakir Hossain, Commissioner of Customs Bond Commissionerate, Chattogram.
The meetings were attended by BGMEA Acting First Vice President Mohammad Rafiq Chowdhury; Directors Faisal Samad, Md. M. Mohiuddin Chowdhury, Enamul Aziz Chowdhury; former Director and Chairman of BGMEA's Standing Committee on Customs Affairs in Chattogram Anjan Shekhar Das; along with senior officials from the respective departments.
During the discussions, BGMEA leaders noted that the establishment of the new Customs House would significantly enhance ease of doing business at the ICD level. They emphasized that through comprehensive support from customs authorities and coordinated efforts between BGMEA and BICDA, export operations could be further accelerated. This would enable direct customs clearance at the ICD level, saving both time and cost while making the overall process more efficient and dynamic.
BGMEA Acting First Vice President Mohammad Rafiq Chowdhury congratulated the customs authorities, stating that full implementation of ICD operations would simplify export procedures and play a crucial role in removing existing barriers in the industry.
Director Faisal Samad praised the positive and cooperative attitude of the customs authorities, noting that longstanding limitations in customs operations at the ICD level had caused delays, increased costs, and procedural complexities in both export and import processes. He expressed optimism that the newly established Customs House would significantly address these issues. He also proposed forming a committee involving all relevant stakeholders, including BICDA, to revise the ICD policy and develop an effective, industry-friendly framework.
Director Md. M. Mohiuddin Chowdhury stressed the importance of rapid implementation of the ICD policy, modernization of off-dock operations, and adoption of technology-driven automation systems to ensure improved service delivery.
Director Enamul Aziz Chowdhury highlighted the need to further strengthen coordination and partnership between customs and BGMEA. Chairman of the Standing Committee on Customs Affairs, Anjan Shekhar Das, pointed out several practical challenges in customs operations and called for effective solutions.
The discussions also emphasized ensuring one-stop services through coordination among port, customs, bond, and banks; facilitating green channel clearance; and delivering faster, transparent, and accountable services through digitalization.
Commissioner of ICD Customs House, Chattogram, Abu Bashar Md. Shafiqul Rahman, stated that the ICD policy is in its final stage and, once approved, will make import and export operations faster and smoother. He also mentioned that, following discussions with BGMEA, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) would be informed about the introduction of ICD Code-306 effective from June 1.
Customs Commissioner Mohammad Shafi Uddin said that separating ICD operations from the Customs House would enhance transparency and efficiency in import and export processes.
Bond Commissioner Md. Zakir Hossain stated that through mutual coordination between the Bond Commissionerate and BGMEA, any emerging issues would be promptly addressed, ensuring full support for simplifying export operations.
