Economy
FBCCI Calls for Customs Act Amendments and Full Automation to Ease Trade
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has called on the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to amend the Customs Act and implement full automation to streamline the customs management system. At a workshop held at the FBCCI’s Motijheel office on Sunday, President Mahbubul Alam highlighted the potential benefits of these reforms.
“These changes would simplify customs procedures, create a more business-friendly environment, and reduce the cost of doing business in Bangladesh,” Alam stated. The workshop was a joint initiative between FBCCI and NBR.
Alam underscored the importance of the Customs Act in facilitating trade and lowering business costs. “We believe the new law will significantly expedite trade activities,” he added.
The FBCCI president also addressed the complications caused by the Harmonized System (HS) code for product classification, emphasizing the need for complete automation in customs management to mitigate this issue. “A well-crafted law is only beneficial if implemented effectively,” he noted, urging the NBR to incorporate private sector feedback before finalizing the implementation process.
FBCCI Director AM Mahbub Chowdhury spoke about the harassment faced by traders at ports. He pointed out that despite paying fines for delayed duty clearance, traders still encounter obstacles during customs clearance.
Industry representatives presented their specific concerns during the workshop. Abul Hashem, president of the Sugar Traders Association, called for a tax reduction on sugar, citing it as a basic commodity rather than a luxury item. This, he argued, would help curb illegal sugar imports.
Mohammad Enayet Ullah, president of the Bangladesh Spice Traders Association, urged the NBR to adjust taxes based on international market fluctuations for spices, noting that high taxes contribute to rising spice prices in local markets.
In response, NBR Chairman Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem assured the business community that logical proposals would be considered during the amendments and implementation phase of the Customs Act. He encouraged businesses to submit written complaints against customs officials rather than making random accusations.
Muneem acknowledged that while large fines are sometimes necessary to maintain trade order, they must be imposed logically and proportionally.
Md Masud Sadiq, NBR Member (Customs Policy and ICT), expressed confidence that the new Customs Act would be more trade-friendly than its predecessor and urged traders to fully cooperate in its successful implementation.
FBCCI Senior Vice President Md Amin Helali, Vice President Shomi Kaiser, directors, former directors, and NBR officials also attended the workshop.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday paid tribute to the Armed Forces Division by placing a floral wreath at its headquarters.
Prof Yunus, who visited the division as part of his official duties, laid the wreath to honor the sacrifices and dedication of the members of the Armed Forces.
Following the wreath-laying ceremony, he signed the visitor’s book.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal, along with four other election commissioners, announced their resignation during a press conference today at the Election Commission (EC) building. The resignation follows growing speculation and pressure.
CEC Awal stated, “In this changed situation, I and other commissioners have decided to step down. We’re handing over our resignation letters to the EC Secretary to send it to the President.” After submitting the letters, the CEC and some commissioners quickly left the premises, with no clear explanation for the absence of two election commissioners.
The resignations come amid increasing unrest tied to the registration of political parties such as Nagarik Oikya and Gono Odhikar Parishad. Sources revealed the CEC felt unsafe due to aggressive behavior from activists, prompting the decision to step down.
Protesters outside the EC building hurled shoes at vehicles carrying Election Commissioners Rashida Sultana, Md Alamgir, and Anisur Rahman as they left. Meanwhile, preparations for their exit had already been underway, with the commissioners reportedly relocating personal belongings from their offices.
The commission, appointed in February 2022 for a five-year term, had previously expressed confusion over demands for their resignation, maintaining they had conducted fair elections. However, internal discussions led to the collective decision to resign earlier than expected.
The government will now purchase LNG from the international spot market through open tender instead of negotiation.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in a meeting on Wednesday in principle approved a proposal in this regard.
Adviser of the interim government for Finance Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, who presided over the meeting, said that the government will procure LNG through open tender.
The Energy and Mineral Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources placed the proposal where it sought approval to import LNG from 23 listed companies in the international spot market.
The adviser said that though such 23 companies were enlisted by the previous Awami League government and signed Master Sales and Purchase Agreement, they will remain unchanged.
He said that instead of applying the Speedy Increase of Energy and Power Supply (Special) Act 2010, the interim government will follow the Public Procurement Rules 2008 to ensure the competitive bidding process.
“We don’t want to change them as we wanted to import LNG quickly, ensuring proper competition among the suppliers,” he told reporters.
Committee also approved another proposal in principle to sign a contract to import urea fertiliser for the 2024-25 fiscal year from Fertiglobe Distribution Limited, UAE, on a G-to-G basis.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Government Procurement (CCGP) in a meeting, presided over by the Adviser for Finance, approved 3 proposals for import of lentil and fertiliser.
As per the proposal, the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh will procure 10,000 metric tons (MT) of lentil from local firm Sahara Enterprise at a cost of Tk 98.20 crore with each kg priced at Tk 98.20.
The Commerce Ministry which moved the proposal on behalf of the TCB in the meeting mentioned in the proposal that the supplier firm was selected through open tender.
The CCGP approved two separate proposals of the Industries Ministry under which Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation will import 30,000 MT of bulk granular urea fertiliser from Fertiglobe Distribution Limited, UAE, under state to state contract at a cost of Tk 121.48 crore.
Each metric ton of fertiliser will cost $343.17.
Another 30,000 MT of bagged granular urea fertiliser will be procured from the local Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (Kafco) at a cost of Tk 116.99 crore with each metric ton costing $330.50.
