Benapole Land Port, one of Bangladeshโs key trade gateways, has recorded a remarkable revenue performance by exceeding its annual target by Tk 316 crore, even as overall imports saw a decline. This achievement highlights improved efficiency and revenue collection practices at the port, underscoring its growing importance in national trade infrastructure. According to recent figures, the port collected over Tk 3,516 crore in revenue in the fiscal year, surpassing its target of Tk 3,200 crore. This milestone was reached despite a dip in import volume, suggesting that strategic measures, automation, and stronger enforcement have contributed to enhanced fiscal performance. Officials at the port attribute the success to tighter monitoring, faster customs clearance, and better coordination between customs, port authorities, and law enforcement agencies. These changes have helped reduce irregularities, improve transparency, and accelerate the movement of goods. Benapole, which sits on the border between India and Bangladesh, manages over 80 percent of the trade conducted by land between these nations. It is a vital node for importing consumer goods, industrial raw materials, and essential commodities. With increased focus on digitization and infrastructure upgrades, the port has become more effective at processing consignments and preventing revenue leakage. While the volume of imports fell due to global economic factors and domestic demand adjustments, the revenue boost demonstrates how improved administrative controls and smart policy implementation can strengthen public earnings without increasing trade volume. The revenue surplus is expected to support national development funding and infrastructure projects. It also helps reduce fiscal pressure in a time when many developing economies are facing challenges due to fluctuating global markets. Trade analysts view this performance as a positive signal for broader customs reforms. The success at Benapole could serve as a model for other land and seaports across the country aiming to enhance trade facilitation and public revenue collection. Local business leaders have also praised the progress. They note that quicker clearance times and predictable service at the port encourage more businesses to use official channels, reducing dependency on informal or unauthorized routes. Looking ahead, continued investment in automation, road connectivity, and capacity building at Benapole could further improve its performance. As Bangladesh grows its regional trade footprint, efficient land ports like Benapole will play a critical role in shaping the country’s economic future.
