Photo : BSS

By Asaduzzaman

SATKHIRA, Oct 17, 2025 (BSS) - In a major policy shift poised to energize cross-border trade, the Bhomra land port in Satkhira has been officially elevated to the status of a "Customs House". 

The Finance Ministry confirmed the long-anticipated upgrade through a circular issued on October 14, signaling a new chapter in the region's customs administration.

With this declaration, Bhomra now assumes full authority over customs operations previously managed by the Khulna Customs House, ushering in greater autonomy, faster processing, and enhanced trade facilitation for the southwestern frontier.

Officials concerned said the decision will inject new dynamism into import and export activities in the country's southwestern region and bring significant changes to the regional economy.

Meanwhile, the Bhomra Customs Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association hailed the government's move as "a historic milestone".

In a joint statement, President of the association Md Abu Hasan and General Secretary Md Abu Musha said that the declaration of Bhomra land port as a Customs House by the Finance Ministry and the National Board of Revenue (NBR) will greatly enhance business and trade opportunities in the region. 

"We wholeheartedly welcome this farsighted and timely decision of the government," they added.

They further said that Bhomra is one of the busiest land ports in the country, handling a large volume of import and export trade every day. Upgradation to a Customs House will enhance administrative capacity, manpower, and infrastructure - long-awaited demands of the business community, they added.

As a recognized Customs House, Bhomra will now be able to perform all revenue administration, tariff assessment, import-export document verification, and trade management activities locally. This will reduce time, cost, and bureaucratic complexity, providing great relief to traders.

Currently, various goods including food items, construction materials, garments, and cosmetics are imported from India through the Bhomra land port, while Bangladesh exports agricultural products, fish, and industrial goods.