Dhaka, June 1 – Seven port users’ organizations – Benapole customs clearing and forwarding agents association, import and exporters association, truck owners association, transport owners association, truck workers union, C&F agent staff association and Benapole port workers union- at a meeting decided to go for indefinite strike if any imported goods are seized by the Border Guard Bangladesh men. The decision was taken at a meeting of representatives of the organizations.
Mofijur Rahman Sazon, President, Benapole customs clearing & forwarding agents association confirming the information said on Friday that the BGB sometimes harass importers by seizing imported goods even after being checked by the customs and intelligent. The decision was taken to get rid of such harassments.
In an order of the National Board of Revenue, it is said that BGB cannot seize any legally imported goods. Their responsibility is to seize only smuggled goods.
he added.
The Port users said due to the harassment of the BGB, revenue targets are not being fulfilled, There is still a revenue deficit of Tk 393.67 crore till May 27 this fiscal year. The importers have turned their faces from Benapole port due to such harassment by the BGB. As a result, the revenue collection has started to decline.
Syed Ahmed Rubel, Deputy Commissioner of Benapole customs house Said, that the BGB has violated the law and detained the imported legal goods. Which is not acceptable in any case. The importers have gone to other ports of this kind of activities. As a result, the government’s revenue started to fall.
Lieutenant Colonel Ariful Hoque, commanding officer, 49 Border Guard Battalion, however, said that at the BGB does not harass importers. It searches goods on suspicion. – Staff Reporter
