In a major move to boost trade and revenue in Bangladesh’s southwest, the government has officially upgraded the Bhomra Land Customs Station in Satkhira to a full-fledged Customs House. The approval was confirmed through an official notification issued by the Ministry of Finance.

With this announcement, Bhomra — one of the country’s key international trade gateways — has gained new administrative importance within Bangladesh’s customs framework. Importers and traders have welcomed the decision, saying it will accelerate import-export activities in the region and significantly contribute to national revenue.

The Bhomra Customs Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) Agents Association hailed the government’s step as a “historic milestone.”

In a joint statement, Association President Md. Abu Hasan and General Secretary Md. Abu Musha said, “By declaring Bhomra as a Customs House, the Ministry of Finance and the National Board of Revenue have unlocked immense potential for regional trade and economic growth.”

They noted that Bhomra’s strategic location gives it a competitive edge, being much closer to Kolkata — the principal trade hub of India’s West Bengal — than most other land ports in Bangladesh.

“This will make Bhomra one of the busiest land ports in the country,” they added.

The leaders also mentioned that the upgradation to a Customs House will enhance administrative efficiency, expand manpower, and strengthen infrastructure — all of which local businesses had long demanded. “It will also create new employment opportunities in the region,” they said.

The Association expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Finance, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Customs Department, and local administration for their support. They expressed optimism that continued government initiatives would soon make Bhomra Customs House the leading trade center in the southwest and a major contributor to national revenue.

Currently, various goods such as food items, construction materials, garments, and cosmetics are imported through Bhomra from India, while Bangladesh exports agricultural products, fish, and industrial goods through the same route.

As a recognized Customs House, Bhomra will now be able to conduct all revenue administration, tariff assessments, document verifications, and trade management activities locally. The move is expected to reduce time, costs, and bureaucratic hurdles — bringing much relief to traders.

Local businesses, officials, and residents have widely praised the government’s decision, expressing hope that the upgradation will not only transform Bhomra but also reshape the entire southwest region’s economic landscape.

FP/MI