The Government seeks to use Satkhira’s Bhomra Land Port to speed up export-import transactions with India. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has declared that all products—aside from powdered milk—will now be eligible for import through this port as part of this strategy. Additionally, the NBR is thinking about turning the port from a land port station to a full customs house.
Nearly all products can now be imported through Bhomra thanks to a statutory regulatory order (SRO) that the NBR’s customs division issued on 29th August.
A senior customs official told the local media, “Currently, Bhomra operates as a land customs station. We are working towards establishing a separate customs house there, given the volume of imports through this port.”
He added, “The distance from Bhomra to Kolkata is approximately 22 kilometres shorter than from Benapole in the Jashore district, presenting a significant opportunity for increased bilateral trade with India.”
By road, Benapole is 84 kilometers from Kolkata and Bhomra Land Port is 62 kilometers away.
Bhomra is the nation’s third-largest land port, having been established in 1996. Currently, this facility is used by over 500 enterprises for import-export activity.
Port authority statistics indicates that the total money collected in the fiscal year 2022–2023 through Bhomra was almost Taka 632 crore. Companies are becoming more aware of the Bhomra Land Port’s potential.
Abdul Wahed, chairman of the standing committee on land ports, border trade, transit, and transshipment at the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) stated, “There is a strong likelihood of increased imports through Bhomra.”
He added, “Both Bhomra and Sonamasjid land ports are crucial for alleviating the burden on the Benapole port.”
However, Wahed also highlighted the current deficiencies in port and customs facilities.
“The port has not yet reached its full capacity. The roads need to be widened and improved. Establishing a fully operational port with complete customs facilities will significantly enhance its utilisation,” said Wahed, who is also a former director of the country’s apex trade body.
