In a bid to facilitate uninterrupted trade and bolster the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has directed all customs houses and stations across Bangladesh to remain operational on public and weekly holidays from June 5 to June 14, excluding Eid-ul-Azha day.
The directive follows an official request from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), which urged the government to ensure continuous customs operations in light of the industry’s time-sensitive export schedule.
In a letter to NBR Chairman Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem dated May 14, BGMEA Administrator Md Anwar Hossain warned that shipment delays could jeopardize ongoing export orders, leading to cancellations, financial losses, and a decline in foreign exchange earnings.
“The garment sector is facing significant challenges, including U.S. counter-tariffs, labour unrest, increasing raw material costs, high interest rates, an energy crisis, and elevated transportation expenses,” the BGMEA letter stated. “Despite this, exporters have maintained strong buyer relationships and consistent orders from international markets.”
To sustain this momentum, the BGMEA underscored the need for seamless coordination among key stakeholders, including customs authorities, port officials, banks, and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). The organization stressed that failure to meet international deadlines could have severe repercussions for both individual exporters and the broader national economy.
In response, the NBR committed to ensuring the continued operation of major customs offices, including the Chattogram Custom House—the country’s largest port of entry—during the pre-Eid period.
This move is seen as a proactive effort to support Bangladesh’s largest export-earning sector and maintain the flow of goods through ports during a traditionally congested holiday season.
The ready-made garment industry, which accounts for more than 80% of the country’s total exports, remains a critical pillar of the national economy, employing millions and contributing significantly to GDP growth.
