bdnews24.com :
Import of Indian goods through Benapole Land Port has dwindled due to irregularities, corruption, harassment and theft, businessmen allege.
Revenue officials have, however, dismissed it saying imports were less because of political unrest, increase in smuggling and growth of local industries.
In the first eight months of 2013-14 fiscal, 460,335 metric tonnes of goods were imported from India, which is 72,573 metric tonnes less than the corresponding period of the last fiscal, said Syed Atiqur Rahman, joint commissioner of Benapole Customs House.
A total of 532,908 metric tonnes of Indian goods were imported during the same period of the 2012-13 fiscal.
Mizanur Rahman Khan, president of Jessore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), told bdnews24.com many importers now used another port instead of Benapole port due to theft, corruption and harassment by customs and high interest rate of banks.
JCCI Director Humayun Kabir said slump in domestic business and bumper harvest of agro products in the country attributed to the decline in imports.
“Exporters and importers have left the Benapole port as it fails to provide a business-friendly environment,” said Mohsin Milon, joint secretary of the Exporters-Importers Association of Benapole port.
“Businessmen want quick release of goods. They have to pay extra charge for delay. It is not always possible to get the goods released in time due to harassment of Customs Division,” Mohsin said.
Nuruzzaman, senior vice president of Benapole Customs Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association, said the port often faced threat because of frequent strikes, blockades and agitation of workers.
“This is seriously affecting the businessmen,” he said.
Nuruzzaman said it would not be possible to get back the importers until we get rid of these adverse situations.
However, Benapole customs Joint Commissioner Faizur Rahman had a different view. He said the country was reeling under political turmoil from Nov to Jan of the current fiscal. Besides, many traders were not importing Indian goods any longer due to growth of local industries.
“That’s why import has fallen slightly in the first eight months of 2013-14 fiscal,” Rahman said. Benapole Land Port Director Mallick Anwar said the incidents of stealing goods from the port’s shed have significantly come down.
A syndicate is active here. There are many people from C&F Agent in the syndicate, he said. Anwar said if these people were nabbed they launch agitation.
“We have nothing to do if goods are stolen from outside the port. The importers are the real losers no matter where the goods are stolen from. Keeping this in mind we have taken tough stance to curb theft,” the official said.
