NBR Chairman Advocates for Enhanced Operations at Mongla Port for Better Outcomes

The Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, has emphasised the importance of increasing operations at Mongla Port to unlock its full potential and deliver greater benefits for the country.

During a visit to Mongla Port today, Khan noted that boosting the port’s use could significantly alleviate congestion at the Chittagong Port, promote increased economic activity, reduce operational costs, and ultimately benefit the public at large.

Key Points from NBR Chairman’s Address:

• Port Usage: “If the use of Mongla Port can be increased, then congestion in Chittagong (Port) will be reduced, activities will increase, costs will decline, and the people will be more benefitted,” stated Khan.
• Field-Level Issues: The NBR Chairman expressed the need to identify and resolve any existing issues faced by port users, as well as evaluate the facilities available at Mongla Port.
• Operational Capacity: He highlighted the potential for expanding the operational capacity of Mongla Customs House to accommodate more cargo and improve efficiency.

NBR Chairman’s Visit and Engagements

Khan arrived at Mongla Port early this morning and first held a meeting with customs officials. Following that, he engaged with C&F agents to gather insights and further understand the workings of the port. Before these meetings, he visited the Mongla Port Jetty to assess the facilities on the ground.

The Chairman explained that, after the intense budget preparations over the last few months, the NBR’s current focus is to understand the challenges and opportunities at the field level. He stressed the importance of thoroughly understanding the facilities and workload at Mongla Port.

“We need to assess how much work we are currently doing here and what additional capacity we can handle,” Khan added. “Our main goal is to facilitate the stakeholders and resolve any existing problems that are hindering the port’s development.”

Focus on Enhancing Mongla Port’s Capacity

The NBR Chairman pointed out that despite the Chittagong Port handling a major portion of the country’s port activities, its usage is becoming increasingly strained. Mongla Port, on the other hand, remains underutilised, and Khan sees this as an opportunity to decongest Chittagong by enhancing the capacity and usage of Mongla.

“We want to encourage businessmen to make more use of Mongla Port. The government is keen to improve the port’s operational capacity, and we believe this will bring mutual benefits,” he said.

Import of Vehicles via Mongla Port

A key area of discussion was the import of vehicles, which typically arrive at Mongla Port. Khan mentioned that he and his team had previously met with vehicle traders to explore the possibility of increasing vehicle imports through Mongla.

“We will sit again with the traders, and we will ensure that they get the required services here easily. If the businessmen benefit from this, they should increase the usage of Mongla Port,” Khan emphasised.

Government’s Role in Facilitating Business

The Chairman also reassured stakeholders that the government is committed to facilitating businesses operating at the port. He encouraged the private sector to take full advantage of the opportunities available at Mongla and noted that the NBR would work to resolve any obstacles that hinder progress.

Attendees at the Meeting:

• NBR Member (Customs Policy and ICT): Muhammad Mubinul Kabir
• NBR Member (Customs and VAT Administration): Md. Moazzem Hossain
• Mongla Customs House Commissioner: Md. Shafiuzzaman
• Khulna Customs, Excise, and VAT Commissionerate Commissioner
• Mongla Port C&F Association President: Md. Mosharraf Hossain
• Businessmen and other stakeholders also attended the meeting.

Summary of Outcomes: