NBR directs customs stations to keep trade running during Durga Puja

photo: collected

National Board of Revenue (NBR) has directed customs houses and stations nationwide to maintain limited import and export operations during government holidays from October 20 to 22 for Sharadiya Durga Puja.

The directive was issued in a letter dated October 15 to ensure uninterrupted cross-border trade during the festival.

Signed by Rezaul Karim, second secretary (Customs Policy), the letter asked the authorities concerned to take necessary measures to continue import- and export-related activities during the holidays.

The directive covers customs houses and stations in Dhaka, Chattogram, Benapole, Kamalapur, Mongla, Pangaon, Chattogram ICD and Bhomra, among others.

It also applies to Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerates across the country, including those in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Jashore, Khulna, Sylhet, Rangpur, Cumilla, Narayanganj, Gazipur, Barishal, Mymensingh and Cox's Bazar.

The NBR has asked the governor of Bangladesh Bank to notify all commercial banks about the directive.

It has also requested the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), foreign and metropolitan chambers of commerce, the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to inform their member organisations.

The directive refers to a memorandum issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on October 7, 2026.