The Chattogram Custom House, the country’s largest customs station, will remain operational during the upcoming election holidays to ensure that import and export activities continue without interruption.
A special duty roster has been arranged to keep the Custom House open on the day of the national parliamentary elections on 12 February, as well as on the public holidays immediately before and after the polls.
Sharif Al Amin, assistant commissioner and spokesperson for Chattogram Custom House, said the decision was taken following instructions from the customs commissioner to prevent any disruption to trade and port-related operations during the election break.
“Officers and staff are being assigned roster duties so that all essential customs functions continue as usual during the holidays,” he said.
According to customs officials, all regular activities – including assessment of import and export documents, physical inspection of goods, release of consignments, and other port-related customs procedures – will be carried out without pause.
Officials said keeping the Custom House open will help ensure the smooth clearance of goods, maintain supply chains, and avoid container backlog at the port during the election period.
Chattogram Custom House handles 92 percent of the country’s import and export consignments, making its continuous operation critical for overall trade and economic activities.
Traders and clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents have welcomed the decision, saying it will help prevent delays in shipment processing and goods delivery during the holiday period.
Custom House authorities have urged stakeholders to complete necessary documentation and coordinate with assigned officers as per the special roster to facilitate smooth operations.
