Import of Indian goods through Benapole Land Port has dwindled due to irregularities, corruption, harassment and theft, businessmen allege.
Revenue officials have, however, dismissed the allegation, saying imports came down 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 that many importers now used another port instead of Benapole port due to theft, corruption and harassment by customs and high bank interest.
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 can rectify the adverse conditions.
However, Benapole customs Joint Commissioner Faizur Rahman had a different view.
He said the country was hit by prolonged political turmoil before the election, affecting business activities. Besides, many traders have stopped importing Indian goods due to growth of local industries.
“That’s why import has fallen slightly in the first eight months of 2013-14 fiscal,” Rahman said.
Source: UNBConnect