Chattogram Custom House began operations at the World Trade Centre in Agrabad on Sunday, shifting around 40 per cent of its workload to the temporary premises ahead of the demolition of its existing building.
Seven operational groups moved in the first phase, including Customs Assessment Sections 8(C) and 8(D) and sub-teams 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16.
Documents, computers and furniture have been transferred, while connectivity with the National Board of Revenue’s ASYCUDA World system has been established to keep customs services running.
Chattogram C&F Agents Association Secretary Shawkat Ali told TIMES of Bangladesh that operations were running smoothly despite minor initial setup problems.
He said the first day’s progress exceeded expectations, while the Customs Commissioner personally visited the temporary premises to inspect operations.
Chattogram Custom House Assistant Commissioner and spokesperson Sharif Mohammad Al Amin said the remaining operations would be relocated in phases by the end of November to clear the existing site for demolition.
The Custom House has leased 1,56,600 square feet of office space and 8,000 square feet of garage space at the World Trade Centre, owned by the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The lease agreement was signed on 5 May.
The existing building will be demolished to make way for a modern replacement under a World Bank-funded project.
Officials involved in the project said construction could take around five years. The new building is expected to provide modern facilities and improve customs efficiency in Chattogram.
