BM Depot cleared to handle RMG goods

BM Container Depot, the private Inland Container Depot (ICD), in Chattogram, has been allowed to ship ready-made garments for export.

The customs authorities on Tuesday granted the temporary approval for three months subject to compliance with nine conditions.

On the 4th June last, this container depot was almost destroyed and dozens of people were killed in a massive explosion and fire and all handling activities through this depot were declared closed thereafter.

The conditions include clearance of the port, compliance with all depot-related policies, ensuring fire safety, implementation of dangerous cargo management policies, etc.

BM Depot Executive Director Captain Mainul Hasan said garment products had started arriving immediately after getting the customs clearance and the process of shipping them had started as usual.

“Our depot is almost repaired after the permission of the department concerned of the government. We can now handle imported goods as well,” he added.

Renovation work at the depot has been going on since the accident.

About TK50 crore has so far been spent on it. Security of the depot has been enhanced.

Installation of fire hydrants is underway to ensure water supply to extinguish fire.

An official of Chittagong Customs House said a special team of the customs had visited BM Depot several times.

After the visit they allowed it to conditionally process pre-shipment work of export goods of garments industries.