Benapole Customs Misses Revenue Target by Tk115cr in H1

The revenue target for July-December was set at Tk3,337.4 crore, but only Tk3,022.17 crore was collected. However, revenue collection showed improvement in the last quarter (October-December), where the target was Tk1,794.1 crore, and Tk1,918.29 crore was achieved.

Benapole Port, one of 16 land ports in the country that engage in trade with India, handles the highest volume of trade, especially through the Benapole-Petrapole route. The port imports raw materials, garments, baby food, fish, and chemicals, while exporting jute, garments, chemicals, and melamine products.

Abu Taher, vice-president of the Benapole Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association, said, “Annual imports from India are worth Tk50,000 crore, while exports total around Tk8,000 crore. Due to the port’s convenient communication system, it’s the preferred route for most traders.” However, he added that delays in cargo clearance due to inefficient procedures often cause difficulties for importers.

Since 2019, the rising dollar exchange rate and the global economic downturn have led to a decline in imports, which in turn affects revenue collection. Tanvirul Islam Sohan, secretary of the Jashore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the ongoing slowdown in business, caused by the dollar crisis and other challenges, alongside a lack of essential equipment at the port for faster cargo clearance.

In terms of monthly revenue collection, Benapole Customs House’s performance was mixed. For example, the revenue target for July was Tk413.99 crore, with an actual collection of Tk413.22 crore, while the target for August was Tk520.99 crore, but only Tk401.55 crore was collected. By November, the port exceeded its target with Tk614.71 crore collected against a target of Tk599 crore, and in December, revenue reached Tk778.95 crore, surpassing the target of Tk597 crore.

Benapole Customs Commissioner Md Kamruzzaman acknowledged that lower imports contribute to reduced revenue but expressed optimism about meeting future targets, particularly after a positive trend in the October-December period.

The government has also taken steps to support trade expansion at Benapole Port. Recently, new infrastructure projects have been launched, including a cargo vehicle terminal at the port’s zero point and the installation of scanning machines. Benapole Port Director Md Mamun Kabir Terafder mentioned that CCTV cameras have been installed, and ongoing infrastructure development will further enhance trade growth once completed.