Dhaka: Professor Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy on International Affairs to the Chief Adviser, announced today that the ‘Bangladesh Single Window’ system aimed at simplifying import and export procedures for businesses will become operational by March. This initiative is set to streamline processes by transitioning from manual systems to digital platforms.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Siddiqi revealed that seven out of the 19 required certificates, licenses, and permits (CLP) issuing organizations will be incorporated in the initial phase of the project. The manual systems of these seven organizations will be deactivated on January 31, 2025, after which manual CLP submissions will no longer be accepted.
The announcement was made during the second session of ‘Economic Reforms and Institutions’ at the symposium titled ‘White Paper and Thereafter Economic Management, Reforms and National Budget’ held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Dhaka. The seven organizations participating in this phase include the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Department of Explosives (DoEX), Bangladesh National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention (BNACWC), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), and the Department of Environment (DoE).
Professor Siddiqi also mentioned plans to integrate the remaining 12 agencies into the system by February. The digital platform will allow importers and exporters to register using their business identification number (BIN) and submit all necessary documents electronically. The system will enable users to obtain all relevant certificates, licenses, and permits required for the clearance of goods through a single online portal.
The session was moderated by Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Chair of the ‘White Paper 2024’ and Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). Presentations on the white paper were delivered by Dr. M Tamim, Vice Chancellor of Independent University Bangladesh (IUB), Professor Tasneem Arefa Siddiqui from the University of Dhaka, Professor Mustafizur Rahman of CPD, and Dr. Selim Raihan, Executive Director of the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM).
The symposium also featured remarks from distinguished commentators like Professor Rounaq Jahan, Professor Anu Muhammad, Dr. Michal Krejza of the European Union’s delegation to Bangladesh, Syud Amer Ahmed from the World Bank, and Barrister Shameem Haider Patwary of the Jatiyo Party.
During the discussions, Mustafizur Rahman emphasized the issue of money laundering, estimating illicit outflows at approximately $16 billion annually from 2009 to 2023. He highlighted the need for government action to reclaim stolen assets by allocating resources for forensic investigations and hiring legal experts.
Dr. Selim Raihan stressed the importance of budgetary provisions for effective implementation of recommendations from various commissions and task forces, particularly for enhancing the capacity of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) in digitalization and data analytics.
Professor Tasneem Arefa Siddiqui pointed out the high migration costs faced by Bangladeshi migrants compared to their Nepali counterparts, with the cost recovery period taking up to 17 months. She also highlighted the significant amount siphoned off by recruiting agencies through a syndicate for Malaysia, urging for a comprehensive migration governance system.
Dr. M Tamim criticized the awarding of contracts for power plants under the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provision) Act 2010, describing it as a tool of corruption with underhand deals estimated at $3 billion.