A delegation from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), led by Administrator Anwar Hossain, met with Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, at the NBR office in Dhaka on December 24.

During the meeting, the BGMEA highlighted several important issues related to customs and bonded warehouse regulations, particularly the challenges faced by garment entrepreneurs. 

The delegation sought NBR’s cooperation in resolving these obstacles to ensure a smoother and more efficient business environment for the sector.

BGMEA Support Committee members Inamul Haq Khan (Bablu), Asif Ashraf, and Shehabudduza Chowdhury participated in the discussions.

The BGMEA delegation requested NBR to amend current rules to allow non-bonded garment factories to open local back-to-back Letters of Credit (LCs) for procuring raw materials domestically. 

Under existing provisions, factories without bond licenses are unable to purchase raw materials on credit through back-to-back LCs for export purposes, creating significant barriers for non-bonded manufacturers.

The NBR Chairman took note of the issues raised and assured the delegation that the NBR would explore ways to facilitate permissions for non-bonded factories.

The BGMEA delegation also urged the NBR to simplify and expedite customs-related processes, particularly for the clearance of imported raw materials, machinery, and equipment. 

In response, the NBR Chairman reiterated the NBR commitment to making customs services faster and more efficient to support the growth of the garment sector.