Construction of three new LCS will help increase revenue collection

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has long been in talks about increasing and modernizing the capacity of Land Customs Stations (LCS) in north Bengal to increase revenue collection. 

Finally, the executive committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has passed the project “Construction of Physical Infrastructure of Hili, Burimari and Banglabandha LC stations” at the estimated cost of Tk80.61 crore.

NBR is very optimistic about this project which is being implemented jointly with the Department of Public Works.

Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune on Thursday, Mamun-al-Rashid, member (secretary) of the Physical Infrastructure Division of the Planning Commission said: “This project needed to start much earlier, it will increase the physical infrastructure facilities at Hili, Burimari and Banglabanda ground customs stations in north Bengal.” 

“It will also increase excise activities, as well as reduce smuggling and illegal trade,” he added.

When asked about its feasibility study and increasing state coffers he said: “Project feasibility has been verified with a private university of the country before the project was passed. It shows that if the project is implemented, not only the speed of work increase but also the revenue.”

An NBR official said that the feasibility study of the project has been done through the University of Liberal Arts (ULAB) in Bangladesh. 

Ulab has also made some recommendations for the implementation of the project. The project has been taken up considering those aspects.

To inform the prime minister’s directive on this project Planning Minister MA Mannan said in a media brief: “The PM issued the directive on this project. She said, neither any goods nor any individual will be allowed to enter Bangladesh from India through the land ports without scanning.” 

According to NBR sources, the activities of NBR are also expanding as the revenue collection target increases every year, so the project has been proposed with these considerations in mind. 

In this regard, attention has been paid to develop the infrastructure of Hili, Burimari and Banglabanda ground customs stations to increase the capacity and create a conducive working environment.

Ulab has recommended the construction of one auditorium, mosque and tennis court at each of the customs stations. 

They also recommend the infrastructure facilities of the three LC stations as well as ensuring adequate manpower.

According to project sources, the work of the project will start this year and end in June 2024. 

The project will be implemented in Hakimpur of Dinajpur for Hili customs station, Patgram of Lalmonirhat for Burimari customs station and Tentulia Upazila of Panchagarh for Banglabandha customs station.

Under the project, a total of 12 acres of land will be acquired for each station, four acres each. 

In each of the stations, 78,000 square feet of an administrative building, 34,290 square feet of a residential building, 3,369 square feet of sepoy barracks and 24,300 square feet for a dormitory building will be constructed.