Tax collectors just made paying import fees much easier for businesses across Bangladesh. The National Board of Revenue teamed up with the Finance Division to create a new computer system called a-chalan. Companies can send their customs money straight to the government account through the internet. The old payment method took several days to complete and caused major headaches for traders. This fresh approach lets people pay their bills anytime from any location.
The digital system connects two major government computer programs to speed things up. Importers and exporters can use their bank accounts to send money directly without waiting around. The government gets the cash right away instead of dealing with long delays. People receive a special number after paying that helps them pick up their goods faster from the ports. Businesses can pay through websites, bank cards, or mobile money apps like bKash and Rocket.
Officials tested the new system at three different ports before rolling it out everywhere. Chattogram Custom House started using a-chalan on July 3rd after training workers and agents for two days. More than 13 crore taka went straight into government coffers on the first day through 75 different transactions. The system works at all 11,700 bank branches around the country for people who prefer visiting in person. Every customs office in Bangladesh will accept these electronic payments starting July 7th.
The digital system connects two major government computer programs to speed things up. Importers and exporters can use their bank accounts to send money directly without waiting around. The government gets the cash right away instead of dealing with long delays. People receive a special number after paying that helps them pick up their goods faster from the ports. Businesses can pay through websites, bank cards, or mobile money apps like bKash and Rocket.
Officials tested the new system at three different ports before rolling it out everywhere. Chattogram Custom House started using a-chalan on July 3rd after training workers and agents for two days. More than 13 crore taka went straight into government coffers on the first day through 75 different transactions. The system works at all 11,700 bank branches around the country for people who prefer visiting in person. Every customs office in Bangladesh will accept these electronic payments starting July 7th.
