The authorities concerned have extended the time until December 31 this year for release of 37 import items from the Chittagong port.
During this time, the importers will be able to take delivery of their imported cargo from both the port and private container depots, said a circular issued by the NBR (National Board of Revenue) on Wednesday.
But Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA), a forum of ICD owners, expressed dissatisfaction with issuance of the circular.
Sources said 37 types of goods including rice, pulses, chickpea, fodder and cotton etc imported through Chittagong port used to be delivered so far from ICDs instead of the port.
But considering congestion of import containers and ships at the port and natural calamities, the NBR has issued a circular, asking the authority to deliver those import consignments from the port alongside off-docks a few months ago.
The decision was taken as an interim measure to reduce container congestion and was supposed to be ended by the month of October.
Meanwhile, trade body leader Mahbubul Alam, president of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry, urged the Chittagong Customs House Commissioner on October 15 to continue providing the facility up to December 31 this year for smooth release of import cargo.
After receiving the letter, the Chittagong Customs House authority decided to extend the time for cargo delivery from the port and ICDs and got a circular issued to that effect.
Mahbubul Alam said the decision taken by the Customs authority is business-friendly as it will facilitate quick cargo release to the importers and businesses which will save both the cost and time of the importers.
He said import containers sent to the ICDs also create traffic congestion in the city.
The off-dock owners said they don't find any reason behind the decision taken by the Customs authority.
BICDA president Nurul Quayyum Khan in his letter urged the Customs House Commissioner to repeal the decision, said BICDA secretary Ruhul Amin Sikdar Biplob.
BICDA said there was no 'compulsive situation' that could prompt the authority to take such steps.
