Shah Amanat Airport cargo processing gets fully automated

The duty payment process for cargo imports at Chattogram's Shah Amanat International Airport will now be managed by an automated software system under the National Board of Revenue.

The Chattogram Customs department spearheaded the implementation of the Escada World System automation software to curb irregularities during the cargo delivery phase at the airport. 

Customs Commissioner Fakhrul Alam inaugurated the online payment option and exit note facilities at an event on Sunday.

At the programme, the commissioner said, "All activities of the Chattogram Customs department had been automated through the Escada software except the airfreight unit cargo processing, which is still being done manually.

"The cargo delivery process used to face the risk of irregularities, and a few incidents have already occurred. The newly introduced automation system will help prevent such occurrences."

Mentioning the previous arduous process, the commissioner added, "People used to pay cargo duty at a Sonali Bank branch in the Customs House, but that was quite far from the airport.

"Under the newly implemented system, clearing and forwarding agents will be able to pay taxes at a Sonali Bank branch right here at the airport. The Escada software will keep track of the entire process."

Joint Commissioner Mahbub Hassan of the Chattogram Customs department presided over the inauguration programme, while Additional Commissioner Kazi Mohammad Zia Uddin and System Analyst Ahsan Habib, among others, spoke at the event.