REPORT in a national daily on Saturday said India wants physical presence of its customs officials in Bangladesh for investigating any customs-related offences. They are also seeking information about the assessment of valuation, origin and tariff classification of goods and for determination of authenticity of documents of Bangladesh customs with regard to exports and imports. The Indian customs made the proposals in a draft agreement seeking cooperation and mutual assistance in customs related matters between the two sides at a time when Indian exports are over-flooding Bangladesh six to seven times and Bangladesh is trying to pick up against Delhi’s persistent attempt to use of all tariff and non-tariff measures to contain Bangladesh’s export to India.
In this background, the new proposals have come as a big surprise to Bangladesh customs and political quarters when India is already receiving all such detailed information from Bangladesh Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). Why India is pressing for physical presence of its customs officials in the territory of its small neighbour one can’t easily understand. This would be, however, reciprocal the Indian proposal said, although Bangladesh seeks no such cooperation. Customs officials are now seeking opinion on the draft agreement from concerned ministries and departments.
A senior NBR official has already said Bangladesh should not allow presence of customs officials in each other territory and taking part in each other’s customs related investigations and such other internal process. Political observers find such proposal is quite disrespectful and can only be implemented compromising the sovereignty of the nation. In our view exchange of information is the best way. More involvement will harm the country’s interest. We believe Bangladesh should be following SAFTA rules of business to which India is also a party. Nothing need to be added.
The Indian draft is in no way similar to what India has signed and practicing with countries like the USA, EU and Pakistan. The draft, in many cases has added new articles and clauses, which are not compatible with WTO customs rules showing Indian attempt is a violation of global system. We would say the government should deny such proposals, although its subservient policy may stand otherwise.
