Sona Masjid revenue reaches Tk 138.66cr

The government has earned Tk 138.66 crore in revenue through Sona Masjid land port during the first six months of the current fiscal (2008-09), exceeding the target of Tk 96.66 crore.
The land port authority said the revenue earnings have increased through the land station, the second largest land port of the country, despite ban on import of 40 kinds of goods and other existing problems.
Of the total amount, Tk 36.25 crore was earned in July, Tk 25.91 crore in August, Tk 30.10 crore in September, Tk 12.86 crore in October, Tk 22.11 crore in November and Tk 11.40 crore in December,2008.
Sona Masjid land port started its journey as a full-fledged land station in 2006 under private management.
The target of revenue earnings was not achieved in the 2006-07fiscal year. But, in 2007-08, Tk 192.36 crore was earned through the land port against the target of Tk 120.64 crore.
Customs officials of the land port said the huge revenue was earned due to proper management and favourable environment in commercial sector.
Joint Convener of C&F Association Shamiul Haq said Bangladesh has a bright prospect of business through the land port due to the improved communication system with India. But, restrictions on import of some kinds of goods through the land port are causing loss to the government, he added.