Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Dhaka Customs House went on automation from Sunday aiming to provide a hassle-free environment for businessmen in their export and import activities.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith formally inaugurated the automation process from a function at Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka on Sunday afternoon.

Commerce Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan was the special guest at the function with Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) president Zafar Osman in the chair.

Addressing the function as chief guest, the finance minister said that with this automation responsibility and accountability would be ensured. “By this process, time will be saved and the stakeholders brought under discipline.”

He mentioned that with this automation, the country made another step forward towards fulfilling the Awami League’s commitment for turning the country into `Digital Bangladesh’.

After the inaugural session, Finance Minister AMA Muhith told the reporters that within next five years the government would bring all its offices under automation.

Commerce Minister Faruk Khan said that with this automation of the Dhaka Customs House, the prices of essentials would be reduced.

The commerce minister said that the government has already taken various steps to bring down the prices of essentials and the prices already came down. “The government will take steps to further bring down the prices in the future.”

National Board of Revenue (NBR) chairman Dr Nasir Uddin Ahmed said that a well-equipped IT wing is essential in the NBR to sustain the automation in future.

Data Soft in association with DCCI has completed the automation work on a built, operation and transfer (BOT) basis. The software firm earlier implemented the Chittagong Customs House automation project.

BBN/SS/SI/AD-25May09-4:41 am (BST)