Garment exporters have requested the government to keep customs stations and relevant bank branches open during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays to ensure uninterrupted export operations.
In a letter sent to the chairman of the National Board of Revenue, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association urged authorities to keep all customs stations—including Chittagong Custom House—as well as related banks open from March 17 to March 23, except on the day of Eid.
According to sources at the NBR, the request aims to keep export activities running smoothly and ensure that shipments reach foreign buyers within the stipulated lead time.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan made the appeal in the letter, noting that the ready-made garment sector is heavily dependent on fashion trends and strict delivery timelines. Failure to ship goods on schedule can lead to cancellation of export orders.
Such cancellations not only cause significant financial losses for exporters but also result in a loss of valuable foreign exchange earnings for the country, the letter said.
The association also pointed out that amid ongoing global economic uncertainties, continuous support from ports, customs authorities and banks is essential to sustain export trade.
The BGMEA requested that customs stations, banks and the Export Promotion Bureau remain operational during the government and weekly holidays between March 17 and March 23 to facilitate export procedures.
Entrepreneurs in the sector said maintaining the country’s export capacity would be difficult without coordinated support from all related institutions. Delays in shipment could not only result in order cancellations but also risk damaging long-term confidence among international buyers.
The BGMEA also expressed gratitude for similar support in previous years, when customs and port operations remained active during Eid holidays, and hoped for the same cooperation this year.