Chattogram Bureau :
To prevent server breaches by using an official ID and password, Chattogram Customs House recently issued a 12-point directive including no wandering around at the office and no crowding around the desks of customs staffs. The directives told customs officials to settle export documents promptly, report to higher authorities if there are any findings during physical examination of cargos and dispose of external trade files responsibly.
The customs house notification came up after the scandalous discovery that the customs house server was breached multiple times, costing the government with the loss of either huge import duties in dodged taxes or by providing the scammers with incentives against exports that do not exist.
But the customs house circular did not mention when or whether it would fully implement the one-time password (OTP) system to log in to the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) – an integrated customs management system for international trade and transport operations, which the clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents claim to be an effective measure to stop any unauthorised access to the server. Chattogram Customs Commissioner Fakhrul Alam also told The New Nation earlier, “Such forgeries could not have taken place if the OTP system had been fully operational.”
The directives said action will be taken against C&F agents if they unnecessarily hold on to customs and duty related documents. Field level employees who handle, supervise, transport, load and unload must have valid ID cards and must show those whenever asked. The customs house circular said no outsider will be allowed to wander in the office. If anyone is found roaming around suspiciously, the individual will be handed over to the law enforcing members. Mizanur Rahman, a deputy commissioner of Chattogram Customs House, said, “We hope the 12-point directive will help prevent revenue scams in external trades, CCH sources said.
