CCH to have green building to improve customs activities

The Chittagong Customs House (CCH) is set to construct a state-of-the-art office building as part of a broader push to modernise customs operations and streamline clearance activities at the country's main seaport and Shah Amanat International Airport.

The planned 14-storey, environmentally friendly building will be developed at a cost of about Tk 9.0 billion with financing from the World Bank. As part of the project, CCH has initiated the temporary relocation of its operations to the World Trade Centre (WTC) in Agrabad.

To this end, the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and CCH signed an office space rental agreement on May 5. Under the deal, CCH will lease 156,600 square feet of office space along with 8,000 square feet for garage facilities at the WTC, owned by the CCCI.

The agreement was signed at the WTC conference hall by CCCI Administrator and Additional Divisional Commissioner (General) of Chattogram Md. Motahar Hossain and CCH Commissioner Md. Shafi Uddin.

Former CCCI president and Honorary Consul of Thailand Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury, Customs, Excise and VAT Commissioner Sheikh Abu Faisal Md. Murad, C&F Agents Association President S. M. Saiful Alam, and its General Secretary Shawkat Ali attended the signing ceremony.

According to the agreement, CCH will begin operations from the WTC from July 1.

Sources said the new building will be constructed on the existing CCH site after demolishing the current structure, which was constructed in 1958. The upcoming facility is planned as an international-standard 'green building' featuring sustainable construction materials, solar power systems and rainwater harvesting.

The design includes three basement levels to ensure adequate parking, along with landscaped green spaces around the premises.

Officials said the new building will incorporate advanced infrastructure and technology, including an integrated building management system.

It will feature modern chemical laboratories to accelerate customs clearance, central air conditioning, advanced fire detection and suppression systems, multiple passenger and cargo lifts, a dedicated substation and high-capacity generator backup.

The project is considered crucial as nearly 92 per cent of the country's import-export trade is processed through the CCH. Several domestic and international contractors have already expressed interest in the tender.

Authorities aim to complete construction within 24 months after the appointment of a contractor following completion of all formalities.

Business leaders and C&F agents said the temporary relocation and eventual transition to a modern facility would enhance transparency and efficiency in customs procedures, reduce complexities, boost revenue collection and support overall economic growth.

CCH officials said operations will continue from the WTC until the new building is completed.

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