The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Chapainawabganj

In the second year of its full-fledged functioning Sona Masjid land port made a record earning of about Tk 192.36 crore in revenue during the fiscal 2007-08.

The businessmen here said despite different barriers and ban on importing 40 products, the land port made the record in revenue income due to its proper management.

The authority of Sona Masjid, started its journey as full-fledged land port at the beginning of 2006, earned Tk 192.36 crore in revenue against the target of Tk 120.64 crore during the 2007-08 fiscal year, which was Tk 72 crore more than the target.

Of the total, the port realized Tk 12.27 crore in July, Tk 8.50 crore in August, Tk 14.61 crore in September, Tk 18.01 crore in October, Tk 14.68 crore in November, Tk 13.15 crore in December, Tk 12.75 crore in January, Tk 19.40 crore in February, Tk 26.76 crore in March, Tk 15.86 crore in April, Tk 11.66 crore in May and Tk 24.67 crore in June during the last fiscal.

The amount of revenue collection was Tk 104.66 crore during the fiscal 2006-07, port sources said.

At present, ban on importing 40 products including milk powder, paper, bicycle, motor parts, television parts and tobacco paper through the port is continuing.

While contacted, Assistant Custom Commissioner of the land port Shahid Haider said Sona Masjid port was able to collect record amount of revenue during the last fiscal year due to good management and congenial atmosphere for business.

Joint Convener of C&F agent association Shamiul Haque Liton said the government has imposed ban on importing over 40 products which went against the interest of the businessmen. He demanded immediate withdrawal of the ban.

He said "With the withdrawal of the ban the amount of revenue income in the port will definitely rise in future."