NBR alleges Tk85 crore bonded-warehouse revenue evasion

From 15 October 2026 — Daily Brief

Customs investigators have alleged that a company in Siddhirganj misused Bangladesh’s bonded-warehouse system to evade Tk85.21 crore in revenue.

The National Board of Revenue said UAGM BD Limited imported materials including PVC films, artificial leather and packaging board without duty under facilities intended for export-oriented manufacturers.

Investigators found that the factory’s reported output was inconsistent with very low electricity consumption. Machinery appeared to have been idle for a long period, and officials said the premises lacked evidence of regular production or an alternative power source.

The preliminary finding is that the company obtained utilisation permissions and recorded exports through back-to-back letters of credit while selling duty-free raw materials in the domestic market. The investigation report has been sent to the relevant Customs Bond Commissionerate for legal action. The company’s response was not included in the official account.

Bonded warehousing is important to export competitiveness because it removes duties on inputs that are later re-exported. Abuse shifts the tax burden and disadvantages compliant firms. The case will test whether electricity data and production audits can be used systematically while preserving a fair process for businesses to challenge findings.