The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has instructed customs houses and stations across the country to keep import-export activities operational on a limited scale during the government holidays for Sharadiya Durga Puja. The authorities concerned have been requested to take necessary measures to maintain operations from October 20 to 22.

The directive was issued by the Customs Policy Department of the NBR and signed by Rezaul Karim, Second Secretary (Customs Policy).

According to the directive, necessary arrangements must be made to continue limited import-export activities during the holidays to ensure the uninterrupted flow of the country’s international trade.

Letters have been sent to the commissioners of various customs houses and stations, including those in Dhaka, Chattogram, Benapole, Mongla and Bhomra, to implement the directive. The matter has also been communicated to customs, excise and VAT commissionerates in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet and other parts of the country.

In addition, the NBR has requested the governor of Bangladesh Bank to issue necessary instructions to the relevant commercial banks. Business organisations, including the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), foreign chambers of commerce, the Dhaka Metropolitan Chamber, the Chattogram Chamber and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), have also been informed.

The initiative aims to minimise disruptions to import-export activities caused by the public holidays and keep the country’s trade operations running.

However, the directive does not specify which services will remain operational or the schedules to be followed during the holidays.