RAJSHAHI, Jan 30: International Customs Day-2026 was observed in Rajshahi recently with due respect and colourful programmes under the motto 'Customs: Vigilant Watch and Firm Commitment for National Security'.
The Day's events began at 10:30 am with Qur'an recitation at the District Council auditorium, organised by the Rajshahi Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate. Commissioner Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman presided over the seminar, attended by NBR Member (International Tax) Md. Lutful Azim as chief guest. Joint Commissioner Md. Shafayet Hossain presented the keynote paper.
Data presented at the seminar showed that NBR's revenue collection has increased nearly 13 times in the past two decades-from Tk 23,651 crore in FY2002-03 to Tk 3,70,875 crore in FY2024-25. Customs alone collected Tk 1,19,800 crore in FY2024-25, accounting for 27 per cent of NBR's total revenue.
For FY2025-26, Customs has been tasked with a massive target of Tk 1,30,780 crore. In the first six months of the current fiscal year, NBR collected Tk 1,85,229 crore-Tk 23,020 crore higher than the same period last year.
Speakers highlighted Customs' digital progress, with 47 offices now online, e-payment and e-LC facilities, and real-time data exchange with 21 agencies. On average, 17,000 bills of entry and export documents are processed daily through automation. Container scanners and electronic cargo tracking have further expedited clearance.
Business leaders welcomed rationalization of duties on essentials like rice, sugar, and oil to help control prices. Officials stressed stronger coordination between Customs and law enforcement to curb smuggling and safeguard borders.
Chief Guest Lutful Azim urged officials to be professional while ensuring a business-friendly environment. Commissioner Mahbubur Rahman thanked stakeholders, saying cooperation from traders and dedication of officials would be key to achieving the FY2025-26 revenue target.
Special guests included Rajshahi Tax Commissioner Biplob Kanti Das, BGB Sector Commander Col. Syed Kamal Hossain, ADC Belayet Hossain representing the DC, Police Superintendent Mohammad Naeemul Hasan, and Chamber President Abdul Wahed.
The World Customs Organisation, formed in 1950 as the Customs Cooperation Council, now has 186 member countries. It aims to expand membership to 193 by 2030.
