BM Depot starts releasing containers of export goods

The BM Container Depot authorities have started releasing containers of export goods – one month after a devastating fire razed the depot in Sitakunda, killing 49 people and injuring hundreds of others.

Customs cleared the delivery of 50 containers, and 12 containers were released from the depot on Sunday. Another 100 containers are in the process of being released, BM Container Depot General Manager Captain (retd) Mainul Ahsan Khan told The Business Standard.

"We will hand over containers to the companies that have got permission from the customs…after some required formalities," he added.

Assistant Commissioner of Customs Uttam Chakma said they received applications from 24 companies, of which 16 have been allowed to release their containers.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury termed the start of releasing containers good news for the sector.

A garment factory in Dhaka has got permission as the first company. The factory authorities have already taken 12 containers to their godowns for re-assessment of export products. The shipping process will start after the re-assessment is complete, he added.