The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has directed customs houses and land customs stations to keep import and export operations running on a limited scale from 17 to 23 March during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.
However, all customs stations will remain closed on Eid day.
The instruction came in a notice signed by Second Secretary (Customs Policy) of the NBR, Rezaul Karim, on Monday.
According to the directive, the measure aims to ensure uninterrupted import and export activities during the upcoming Eid holidays.
Customs authorities have been asked to take necessary steps so that related services continue on a limited basis on weekly holidays and other Eid vacation days, except for Eid day itself.
The notice was sent to commissioners of Dhaka, Chattogram, Benapole, ICD Kamalapur, Mongla and Pangaon customs houses.
It was also circulated among commissioners of Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerates in Dhaka (North, South, East and West), Chattogram, Rajshahi, Jashore, Khulna, Sylhet, Rangpur and Cumilla.
The NBR took the decision following a request from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) submitted on 4 March.
Business leaders expressed concern that long closures of ports and customs offices during Eid holidays could disrupt the import of raw materials and export of ready-made garments.
The NBR adopted the measure to prevent such disruptions and keep trade operations running during the festive break.
