Chattogram traders today (6 October) complained about widespread corruption and harassment at the Chattogram Custom House, and called for cancellation of the controversial C&F (Clearing and Forwarding) licensing regulations, which they termed a “black law.”
They were addressing a discussion at the Member Hall of the Chattogram Custom House under the banner “Chattogram Bonchito Baboshae Forum”.
One of the conveners of the event SM Saiful Alam highlighted the damaging effects of unchecked corruption and irregularities.
“Corruption and inefficiency within the customs house are severely impacting the country’s industrial sector, particularly production-oriented industries. This malpractice is taking a toll on the national economy,” he said.
Alam detailed the corrupt practices, including arbitrary high duties imposed on imported goods under the guise of database examinations.
“In many cases, the rules are ignored, and the market value of imported goods is not properly assessed, leading to constant harassment of importers and allowing corruption to flourish in the customs process,” he added.
He also criticised the arbitrary cancellation of C&F licences, which further complicates matters for traders.
“Even C&F agents, who work in this vital revenue sector, want a customs process free from corruption and harassment,” Alam stressed.
He called for significant reforms at the Chittagong Chamber and Customs House, stating that the forum is working on behalf of 3,000 C&F traders to address these issues.
The Chattogram traders’ forum member secretary Shahidul Islam Chowdhury urged the revision of customs assessment rules but emphasized that the priority must be eliminating corruption.
“Amending the rules alone won’t stop those benefiting from corruption. Many customs officers use various tactics to harass importers, and some are drawn to the prospect of becoming overnight millionaires through lucrative postings at customs stations,” he said.
Chowdhury also encouraged genuine business owners to register as voters before 30 October, in light of the 90-day extension of the Chittagong Chamber election period.
C&F trader Rokan Uddin Mahmud called for the repeal of the C&F Licensing Rules Act and an end to the harassment of traders at the Chattogram Custom House. He also advocated for genuine business leaders to take charge of the Chittagong Chamber.
Several other speakers, including C&F Association executive members Abu Saleh and Jamal Uddin Bablu, advocate Omar Farooq, C&F businessman Shaukat Ali, General Secretary of the Bandar Truck Cover Van Owners Association Humayun Kabir Sohail, and Managing Director of Falguni Traders Ismail Khan, voiced their concerns during the meeting.
