Benapole Customs faces Tk 1,650 crore revenue shortfall in 8 months

Benapole Customs House has recorded a revenue shortfall of around Tk 16.5 billion (Tk 1,650 crore) in the first eight months of the current two years fiscal year compared to the target.

According to data from Benapole Land Port, a total of 12, 35,521.84 tonnes of goods were imported and exported through 68,086 trucks during the period.

Of the total, imports accounted for 11, 10,903.81 tonnes while exports stood at 1, 24,618.61 tonnes.

In the previous 2024-25 fiscal year, a total of 24, 32,980.69 tonnes of goods were traded through 1, 43,336 trucks, including 20, 11,267.59 tonnes of imports and 4, 21,713 tonnes of exports.

Customs and port sources said bilateral trade between Bangladesh and India slowed down due to strained political and diplomatic relations between the two countries after August 5, alongside the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The unstable trade environment has affected both imports and exports through the port. Earlier, around 500 to 550 goods-laden trucks used to enter the port daily, but the number has now declined to around 250 to 300 trucks.

Similarly, daily exports have dropped from about 300 trucks to nearly 150 trucks, officials said.

Business leaders said the slowdown in import trade, tensions in Bangladesh-India relations and internal irregularities at the port have deepened the revenue crisis at Benapole Customs.

Jewel Rana, an importer said traders want to conduct business following proper rules but hoped trade would expand if relations between the governments of Bangladesh and India improve.

Aminul Haque Anu, vice-president of the Benapole Importers and Exporters Association, said the sharp decline in import and export volumes has naturally reduced revenue collection.

Revenue Officer of Benapole Customs House Monibur Rahman said revenue collection has fallen due to reduced imports but the situation is not beyond control.

“We are working to simplify customs assessment procedures, ensure quick release of goods and strengthen revenue management. We hope import and export will increase and the revenue target can be achieved by June,” he said.