Customs activities at Shahjalal airport to continue Friday, Saturday to normalise clearance

Customs House Dhaka has announced that customs activities will continue on Friday and Saturday to normalise clearance operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport following the recent fire at its import cargo village.

Following an order issued yesterday, officials were directed today (22 October) to work on a roster basis to ensure round-the-clock service. 

According to NBR sources, additional officers from other offices have also been temporarily assigned to Customs House Dhaka to prevent any disruption regarding customs clearance. 

Muhammad Kamrul Hassan, joint commissioner of Customs House Dhaka, told The Business Standard, "Tuesday's order instructed that customs activities remain open on Friday and Saturday. On Wednesday, a roster was issued assigning officials to ensure uninterrupted 24-hour service."

Previously, customs clearance for imports and exports did not take place on Fridays and Saturdays, except for bonded licence-holding sectors such as the ready-made garment industry.

Officers generally worked regular government hours, from 9am to 5pm, with only a few staying beyond office hours to complete clearance tasks.

However, under the new directive, all officials have been instructed to work night shifts on a rotational basis in addition to regular hours, effective until 26 October.