World-Class 14-Storey Building for Chattogram Customs House

The Chittagong Customs House is set for a major transformation aimed at making customs operations at the country’s main seaport faster, more transparent and technology-driven.

A 14-storey modern and environmentally friendly building will be constructed with nearly Tk 900 crore in financing from the World Bank. The project will include advanced facilities designed to meet international standards.

To implement the project, the existing customs building will be demolished. During construction, customs operations will temporarily move to the World Trade Center in Agrabad.

The temporary relocation process officially began through a rental agreement signed between the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chittagong Customs House.

Under the agreement, around 156,600 square feet of office space and 8,000 square feet of garage space have been rented at the World Trade Center. From July 1, customs activities will operate from two floors of the building. The estimated rent for three years is about Tk 81 crore.

The agreement was signed by Chittagong Chamber administrator and Additional Divisional Commissioner (General) Md. Motahar Hossain and Chittagong Customs House Commissioner Mohammad Shafi Uddin.

Former Chamber President and Honorary Consul of Thailand Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury, Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate official Sheikh Abu Faisal Md. Murad, C&F Association President S. M. Saiful Alam and General Secretary Shawkat Ali were also present.

Officials said the new building will be constructed at the site of the current structure, which was built in 1958 and is now considered dilapidated.

The new facility will be developed as an international-standard green building using sustainable construction materials. It will also include solar power systems and rainwater harvesting facilities.

The building will have three basement levels for parking, along with landscaped green spaces around the premises.

The facility will feature an integrated building management system, modern chemical laboratories to speed up customs clearance, central air conditioning, advanced fire safety systems, multiple passenger and cargo lifts, its own substation and high-capacity generator backup.

To improve services for officials, employees and visitors, the building will also include bank booths, helpdesks, a library, archives, a museum, a daycare center, a medical center and a mosque.

Around 92 percent of the country’s import-export trade is processed through the Chittagong Customs House, making the project strategically important for the national economy.

Several local and foreign contractors have already shown interest in the tender process. Authorities aim to complete the project within 24 months after the final contractor is appointed.

Business leaders and C&F agents believe the temporary relocation and the future modern facility will improve transparency, reduce procedural complexity and increase government revenue collection.