Bhomra Land Port in Satkhira delivered a robust trade performance in the 2024–25 fiscal year, posting strong export growth and a notable rise in government revenue despite a marginal decline in import volumes, underscoring gains in trade value and revenue efficiency.
According to officials at the Bhomra Land Customs Station, the port generated Tk978.78 crore in revenue in FY25, up from Tk907.59 crore in the previous fiscal year—an increase of 7.84 per cent. The growth came even as import volumes softened, reflecting a shift towards higher-value imports and more effective duty collection.
Exports through the port climbed to Tk3,406.95 crore in FY25, compared with Tk3,090.63 crore in FY24, marking a year-on-year increase of 10.23 per cent. During the year, 22,937 vehicles carried export consignments weighing 286,130 tonnes, highlighting Bhomra’s expanding role in cross-border trade with India.
Currently, Bhomra Land Port facilitates the export of 23 categories of Bangladeshi goods to India, including yarn, jute yarn, ready-made garments, furniture, fishing nets, mosquito nets, handloom sarees, lungis, travel bags, juice, chips, and litchis. In return, Bangladesh imports food items, construction materials, garments, and cosmetics from India via the same route.
Industry stakeholders attribute the port’s steady export momentum to its strategic location. Abu Musa, General Secretary of the Bhomra C&F Agents Association, said the port’s proximity to Kolkata gives it a logistical edge over other land ports. “Both exports and imports are increasing, which is directly contributing to higher government revenue,” he noted.
However, despite the improved trade figures, operational challenges continue to constrain the port’s full potential. Although Bhomra was officially upgraded to a full-fledged customs house on October 14, a commissioner has yet to be appointed even after more than two months. The absence of a commissioner has slowed operational expansion and limited import diversification.
Port activity has also been affected by the suspension of rice imports and a sharp decline in cargo movement. Daily truck traffic has dropped significantly—from 250–300 vehicles to around 150—resulting in job losses for port workers and economic hardship for labourers and service providers linked to port operations.
Moniruzzaman Khan, Assistant Revenue Officer (Administration) at Bhomra Land Port, said the fall in imports is partly due to the ongoing dollar shortage. “We expect to recover the shortfall in the remaining months of the fiscal year,” he said.
Echoing industry concerns, C&F Agents Association President Md Abu Hasan stressed the urgent need for appointing a commissioner to ensure smooth and expanded operations. Meanwhile, Bhomra Customs Assistant Director House Atikul Islam said infrastructure development has already begun following the upgrade, including the construction of modern warehouses, open yards, and separate terminals for Bangladeshi and Indian trucks.
Stakeholders believe that timely recruitment and full operationalisation of the customs house will unlock Bhomra Land Port’s economic potential and meet the long-standing expectations of the trading community.
