Integrated data entry booth installed at Benapole
Traders will now submit information on their imported goods at a single booth, instead of entering the same data in three separate booths set up by Bangladesh Customs Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and the port authority
An integrated data entry booth has been installed at Benapole Land Port, to facilitate speedy and hassle-free trading activiites.
Aziziur Rahman, commissioner of Benapole Customs House, inaugurated the booth on Tuesday.
Traders will now submit information on their imported goods at a single booth, instead of entering the same data in three separate booths set up by Bangladesh Customs Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and the port authority.
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Commissioner Azizur Rahman said the previous data entry system had been impeding trading activities and revenue collection at the port. Therefore, an initiative was undertaken to introduce a single-stop mechanism in consultation with Benapole Customs House, BGB, and port authorities.
"With the introduction of a single-entry booth, import-export trading activities and revenue collection will both gain momentum," he added.
Mamun Kabir, deputy director (traffic) of the land port, was optimistic that the initiative would open up a new horizon in the commercial arena.
The previous data entry system had slowed down trade at the port. Some 300 goods-laden trucks would enter Bangladesh via the port every day, as opposed to a normal daily traffic of 5,00 trucks, he said.
Subedar Ashraf of the Benapole Integrated Check Post camp said the initiative was taken at the behest of senior officials. This will hopefully scale up transparency and the pace of trading acitivities at the port.
Mofizur Rahman Sajan, president of Benapole C&F Agents' Association, said the integrated booth would play a significant role in accelerating trade.
Matiar Rahman, chairman of the India-Bangladesh Landport Import-Export Committee, said traders were suffering due to lack of coordination amongst the three port agencies of the port. Those days are now over.
Additional Commissioner of Benapole Customs House, Md Neyamul Islam; its Deputy Commissioner, Shamimur Rahman; Deputy Commissioner, Anupam Chakma; Acting Director of Benapole Port, Abdul Jalil, were present at the inaugural event among others.
