The Hili Land Port in Dinajpur has reported a revenue shortfall of Tk 43.93 crore for the July-December period of the fiscal year 2024-25, raising concerns over declining trade activity and policy challenges.

According to sources at Hili Customs, the port collected Tk 318.76 crore against a target of Tk 362.69 crore in the first half of the current fiscal year.

Notably, the port experienced revenue surpluses in July and October, collecting Tk 45.74 crore and Tk 74.55 crore, respectively, surpassing targets of Tk 45.09 crore and Tk 62.65 crore.

However, deficits in other months contributed to the overall shortfall.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) set an annual revenue target of Tk 740 crore for Hili port for the ongoing fiscal year.

Importers attribute the revenue shortfall to inconsistent tariff policies and bureaucratic hurdles.

The port collected Tk 318.76 crore against a target of Tk 362.69 crore in the first half of the current fiscal year

Mostafizur Rahman, an importer, stated that the government's removal of tariffs on essential goods like rice, lentils, maize, and onions has led to lower revenue collection.

Additionally, fruit imports have declined due to customs regulations requiring truck-based tariff assessments instead of weight-based duties, discouraging traders and affecting the port's revenue.

Another importer, Jewel Hossain, highlighted challenges such as unpredictable US dollar exchange rates and customs inspections of 100 percent of imported goods, leading to delays and financial losses.

He noted that many traders prefer Benapole port over Hili port due to these issues.

Shahinur Islam, general secretary of the C&F Agents Association, warned that Hili port is gradually losing its importance to importers, leading to declining revenue.

He cited poor road conditions, restrictions on letter of credit (LC) openings, and harassment by customs officials as deterrents for high-duty imports through Hili port.

He also pointed out that coal and stone imports, once major revenue sources, have declined because customs impose extra storage costs at Hili port, unlike at the Burimari and Sonamasjid ports.

Shafiul Islam, revenue officer of Hili Customs, attributed the shortfall to government policies aimed at controlling inflation, such as waiving tariffs on essential goods.

Islam mentioned that the port still collects revenue from high-duty items like cumin and raisins, but overall collection remains low.

He expressed hope that if trade continues at its current pace, the authorities will meet the annual revenue target.

He emphasised that the customs station follows standard regulations and does not impose unnecessary restrictions, aiming to support traders rather than hinder them.

With traders expressing frustration and officials emphasising policy-driven constraints, Hili port faces an urgent need for policy adjustments to prevent further trade decline and revenue loss.