The Hili Land Port in Dinajpur recorded a revenue deficit of BDT 2.03 billion in the first eight months (July–February) of the 2025-26 fiscal year. Importers claim that various complexities in importing goods through the port caused the shortfall. However, customs authorities stated that all necessary steps have been taken to boost import-export activities.
According to the Hili Land Customs Station, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) set a revenue collection target of BDT 562.1 million for July, the first month of the fiscal year. Only BDT 337.4 million was collected. Similarly, in August, BDT 448.8 million was collected against a target of BDT 562.1 million. In September, the collection was BDT 454.8 million against BDT 720.8 million; in October, BDT 565.9 million against BDT 917.1 million; in November, BDT 429.9 million against BDT 539.6 million; and in December, BDT 477 million was collected against a target of BDT 782.5 million.
In January, the seventh month of the fiscal year, BDT 449.1 million was collected against a target of BDT 716.9 million. In February, the collection was BDT 568.1 million against a target of BDT 959.2 million. Consequently, the total revenue collection target for the first eight months was around BDT 5.76 billion, while actual collection stood at around BDT 3.73 billion, resulting in a deficit of BDT 2.03 billion.
Dinesh Poddar, an importer at Hili Land Port, said, “Many importers are being discouraged from using the port and are moving to other locations. The primary reason behind this is customs clearance delays. Whenever goods are imported through this port, it takes a long time to get the outpass. In the meantime, the orders for the goods we import are cancelled, or face drops in market prices. While other ports clear goods daily, Hili takes seven to 10 days — sometimes even 15 days — to investigate and release commercial or other items.”
He believes that the port must ensure swift clearance to restore a business-friendly environment. “Because importers are discouraged if it takes a long time in the clearance procedures. Faster processing would encourage importers, leading to higher trade volume and revenue,” the importer added.
Javed Hossain, a C&F agent at the Hili Land Customs Station, said, “Cumin was the staple item imported through the port, which generates the most revenue. However, cumin imports at Hili have dropped by 90 percent. Currently, the item is imported relatively more through the Sonamasjid Land Port. Because importers are receiving extra facilities at Sonamasjid.
He added that the revenue from a single truck of cumin was BDT 5 million, and the decline in these imports has significantly lowered overall revenue, according to C&F agent. “Restricted import items aren’t a problem here; rather, the problem lies in extra-facilities in Sonamasjid Land Port that aren’t supposed to get. The port is giving concessions of 1.5 to three tonnes. That means each port is operating under its own rules, he further added.
Santosh Soren, deputy commissioner of Hili Land Customs Station, said, “There is no target in terms of customs. Revenue collection depends on the opening of LCs. Meetings with importers, C&F agents, and other stakeholders have been held to encourage more LCs. The role of customs is to facilitate trade or ensuring quick inspection and assessment of consignments. We’ve taken all necessary measures for this.”