Special E-auction of goods at HSIA begins to ease cargo congestion

Customs House Dhaka today (18 June) issued a special e-auction notice inviting bids for the sale of various goods stored at the Airfreight Unit, Express Service Unit and state warehouses under Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The initiative has been undertaken to enhance the operational efficiency and capacity of the airport’s cargo handling facilities, address emerging security risks, ensure physical and financial security, safeguard lives and property, and prevent wastage of state assets, according to a press release issued today.

Under the programme, assorted goods currently lying at the Airfreight Unit and Express Service Unit will be sold through an online auction platform on an “as is, where is” basis.

In line with Special Order issued by the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the highest bid received against a lot in the first auction round will be accepted for sale, subject to meeting the reserved price of the respective lot.

Interested bidders will be able to participate in the auction from 9am on 18 June until 1pm on 2 July through the e-auction platform available via the websites of Customs House Dhaka, the National Board of Revenue and Bangladesh Customs.

Officials said the auction process would be conducted entirely through a digital system to ensure transparency and accountability. To make the process more competitive, bidders will be allowed to inspect the goods physically before submitting bids online.

However, bidders will also be required to submit pay orders for security deposits and other supporting documents in designated tender boxes in addition to the online bidding process.

Successful bidders must clear the purchased goods in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Import Policy Order 2021-2024, the release added.

Information relating to participating bidders will be disclosed at 3pm on 2 July at the conference room of Customs House Dhaka through the e-auction software system.

Customs authorities said such auction activities would continue in future as part of efforts to improve the operational efficiency and capacity of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.