Staff Correspondent

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem has spotlighted the multifaceted responsibilities of Bangladesh Customs, emphasising its pivotal role beyond trade facilitation.

He reiterated the agency's dedication to enhancing national security and countering international militancy, especially in the face of the ever-changing global landscape.

In a press conference ahead of the International Customs Day 2024 held at NBR's conference room in Dhaka's Agargaon on Thursday, Muneem explained that apart from revenue collection, Bangladesh Customs, as a member of various environmental protection conventions, rigorously controls the import and export of products harmful to the country's environment.

The agency aims to secure legitimate international trade, foster an investment-friendly environment, and ensure passenger safety on international routes, he mentioned.

Highlighting Customs' active participation in security operations initiated by the World Customs Organization (WCO), Muneem emphasised the pivotal role the agency plays in creating mutual trust and transparency through information exchange with neighbouring countries.

In the fiscal year 2022–23, Bangladesh Customs played a pivotal role in revenue collection, contributing Tk 92,732.35 crore out of the total revenue of Tk 3,31,502 crore, he mentioned.

Notably, in December of the current fiscal year, out of the total revenue of Tk 1,65,599.75 crore collected by the National Board of Revenue, Tk 49,068.53 crore was attributed to Bangladesh Customs, Muneem said, adding that this reflects a commendable growth rate of 9.16 percent compared to the previous fiscal year.

Bangladesh Customs is revolutionising trade management through the successful application of information technology and modernised strategies, solidifying its pivotal role in shaping a resilient economic structure on the global stage, he mentioned.

In a significant stride towards efficiency, Customs has embraced a suite of modernisation measures, including the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) system, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) designation, National Inquiry Point (NEP), Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP), Advance Ruling, Time Release Study, E-Auction, Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII), and Advanced Passenger Information (API), he added.

The chairman reiterated the main goal of the organisation in creating an investment-friendly environment, and he unveiled the theme for Customs Day 2024 as "Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose."

To honour outstanding contributions, a seminar will be held at NBR Bhaban on Friday, where WCO Certificates of Merit 2024 will be awarded to the institutions and NBR officers making special contributions to trade.