Chattogram Customs House (CHC) is the largest and one of the most significant customs stations in Bangladesh. Located in the port city of Chattogram (formerly known as Chittagong), it plays a crucial role in the country’s import and export operations. Chattogram Customs House (CHC) is made Tk48,271 crore in income during FY2024–25’s first eight months (July–February). Compared to the same time last year it shows a 9% increase. With February 2025 alone providing Tk6,152 crore a 20% increase or Tk1,237 crore more than February 2024. The revenue increased by Tk4,351 crore year over year.
CHC nonetheless faces a growing revenue gap in spite of this encouraging progress. The actual collection was Tk7,138 crore, or 12.88%. It’s less than the target of Tk55,409 crore for the first eight months. Tk83,432 crore is the target revenue for the entire year.
There was a Tk8,750 crore shortage in FY2023–24 as the customs house only collected Tk68,866 crore out of a target of Tk77,616 crore. According to customs officials the currency crisis and issues with letters of credit (LCs). Which have had a detrimental effect on imports during the previous two years, are to blame for the persistent deficit. Revenue collection and customs operations were also hampered by political unrest. Specially following the August government transition, and the anti-discrimination movement which began in July.
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But since January 2025, when the dollar problem subsided and imports rise in anticipation of Ramadan than things have improved. The revenue increase in February is also a result of less duty evasion, tougher enforcement against fraudulent declarations, and less political meddling in customs operations.
Despite February 2025 having one fewer day than February 2024 (a leap year) revenue collection rose by more than Tk1,000 crore, indicating significant growth, according to CHC Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saidul Islam. He was upbeat about closing the deficit and predicting that as political and economic stability improve. Import volumes will increase and the customs house will collect more money than it did the previous year.
