Chattogram: Chattogram Customs House (CCH) office will temporarily operate from the World Trade Center in Agrabad in the city, starting from July 1. A modern building is currently under construction with World Bank funding, costing around Tk 900 crore. This building will serve as the new headquarters for the important institution that manages approximately 92 percent of the country’s import-export trade.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, an office space rental agreement has been signed between the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and the Chattogram Customs House. Chattogram Customs House Commissioner Mohammad Shafi Uddin confirmed that an office space rental agreement was signed between the two parties on Tuesday. The agreement includes the rental of approximately 156,600 square feet of office space and 8,000 square feet of garage at the World Trade Center. Starting from July 1, all Customs House activities will be conducted on two floors of this building.
The estimated rental cost for three years is around Tk 81 crore. The agreement was signed by the chamber administrator and additional divisional commissioner (general) of Chattogram, Md. Motahar Hossain, on behalf of the chamber, and Commissioner of the Customs House, Mohammad Shafi Uddin. The signing function was attended by former president of the chamber and honorary consul of Thailand Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury, Sheikh Abu Faisal Md. Murad from the Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate, C and F Association President S. M. Saiful Alam, and General Secretary Shawkat Ali.
According to customs sources, the new building will replace the existing dilapidated structure from 1958 at the same location. The new building will be a 24-storey modern and environmentally friendly green building with solar power and rainwater storage systems. It will feature three basements and ample car parking space, surrounded by greenery and aesthetic landscaping. An integrated building management system will be implemented.
The new building will include a modern chemical laboratory to expedite customs clearance, central air conditioning, advanced fire extinguishing systems, multiple elevators for passengers and cargo, its own substation, and a high-capacity generator backup. It will also house bank booths, helpdesks, libraries, archives, museums, day-care centers, medical facilities, and a mosque for service recipients, officials, and employees.
Several domestic and international contracting organizations have expressed interest in undertaking the project. Once all the necessary procedures are finalized, the goal is to finish the construction within 24 months. Notably, the country’s sole World Trade Center is affiliated with the World Trade Centers Association based in New York. This 24-story building spans approximately 700,000 square feet and features modern office amenities, conference rooms, parking, a helipad, central air conditioning, generators, fire safety measures, and security systems.