After nearly 16 years without dedicated patrol vessels, the Chattogram Custom House is planning to invest Tk200 crore in two state-of-the-art patrol boats to strengthen surveillance against maritime smuggling, customs evasion and illegal cargo movement in Bangladesh’s busiest seaport.
The proposal, included in the agency’s Annual Procurement Plan for FY27, forms part of a broader push to modernise customs enforcement through enhanced maritime surveillance, scanner upgrades and information technology infrastructure.
The procurement plan has earmarked Tk233.14 crore for goods and services, with a substantial share allocated to surveillance capability, container scanner operations and digital systems supporting customs clearance.
A proposal to procure the two patrol boats has already been sent to the Internal Resources Division of the Finance Ministry through the National Board of Revenue, according to customs officials. Subject to approval, the procurement is expected to be completed within the current fiscal year.
The vessels will be deployed by the F Division and Rummage Division to conduct revenue rummaging operations and anti-smuggling patrols in the outer anchorage and deep-sea areas, where attempts to evade customs duties and unload undeclared cargo remain a persistent enforcement challenge.
A cost estimation committee is currently preparing the technical specifications and financial estimates, Chattogram Custom House Assistant Commissioner and spokesperson Sharif Mohammad Al Amin told TIMES of Bangladesh.
Following administrative approval, the patrol boats are expected to be procured through state-owned FIDCO under the Direct Contract Procurement Method, he said.
Technical and financial proposals will be invited from Narayanganj Dockyard, Khulna Shipyard and specialised shipyards in Chattogram. If required, the Bangladesh Navy will provide technical assistance in selecting and procuring the vessels.
The investment would restore a capability the customs authority lost more than a decade ago.
Chattogram Custom House previously operated two patrol boats—Sofen and Samikkha—which were purchased in 1985 for Tk2.86 crore for use by the F Division and Rummage Division in anti-smuggling operations. Built by Dockyard and Engineering Works in Sonakanda, Narayanganj, the vessels became inoperable because of mechanical failures in 2011.
After remaining idle for 12 years, both boats were disposed of in 2023, leaving customs officers to rely on rented speedboats and other hired vessels for patrol and enforcement activities in the outer anchorage.
According to customs officials, the lack of dedicated patrol boats has constrained regular surveillance in waters where smuggling, customs duty evasion and the unloading of undeclared cargo frequently occur. The addition of two modern patrol vessels is expected to significantly strengthen maritime enforcement and protect government revenue.
The procurement plan also provides for a broad upgrade of customs inspection and digital infrastructure.
An allocation of Tk17.2 crore has been made to operate the F-5000 container scanner over the next two years, while Tk8.2 crore has been earmarked for spare parts and maintenance of the mobile container X-ray scanner.
To ensure uninterrupted operation of the ASYCUDA World customs clearance system, the plan allocates Tk1.6 crore to maintain LAN and optical fibre networks at the Chattogram Custom House, Jetty Gate, jetty scanning points and the Chattogram Export Processing Zone.
The remaining allocations include Tk7.9 crore for computers, information technology equipment and toner cartridges, Tk2.21 crore for transport expenses, Tk1.8 crore for the repair and maintenance of government vehicles and Tk1.8 crore for uniforms for 197 customs officials and employees.
