The National Board of Revenue’s (NBR) Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) has uncovered a potential scheme involving the import of cellulose acetate tow, a key raw material used in cigarette filter production, in the name of non-existent companies, raising concerns over large-scale revenue evasion through possible illegal sales or transfers.

Following a risk-based investigation and intervention by the CIC, the clearance of a consignment at Chattogram Customs House was suspended, ensuring the recovery of Tk 16.44 crore in import-stage revenue.

According to CIC sources, two containers carrying 48,143 kilograms of acetate tow were imported through Chattogram Customs House in the name of a company called ‘Unique Traders’, which has been identified as non-existent. The consignment was stopped after authorities found that the company had no actual business operation at its registered address. The consignment involved approximately Tk 16.44 crore in import-stage revenue, which has since been secured.

The CIC’s analysis found that acetate tow is an entirely import-dependent raw material. As imports of the product through commercial importers have increased significantly in recent times, the agency began examining its actual use, supply chain and end users. During the analysis, the imports made by Unique Traders drew particular attention.

The CIC sought information from the relevant VAT department to determine where the company’s imported products were being supplied. In response, the VAT authorities reported that the company was not conducting any business activities at its registered address. The company also failed to regularly submit VAT returns and other relevant documents either online or offline. Based on these findings, the company was identified as a non-existent entity.

Potential Revenue of Tk 324 Crore from a Single Consignment

The CIC’s preliminary assessment has also revealed a significant potential revenue risk associated with the domestic use of the imported acetate tow.

According to the agency, an analysis of VAT-related data from two established cigarette manufacturers showed that approximately 8,937 cigarettes can be produced from one kilogram of acetate tow.

Based on this calculation, the 48,143 kilograms of acetate tow in the consignment could be used to produce approximately 430.25 million cigarettes. Assuming 10 cigarettes per pack, the quantity could produce around 43.02 million packs of cigarettes.

For cigarettes in the mid-tier segment, the retail price per pack is Tk 92. Considering an applicable revenue rate of around 82 percent, including VAT and supplementary duty at the local production stage, the potential revenue associated with this quantity of cigarettes could be approximately Tk 324 crore, according to the CIC’s preliminary calculation.

For cigarettes in the premium segment, where the retail price is Tk 160 per pack, the potential revenue associated with the same quantity of raw material could rise to approximately Tk 564 crore, assuming the same 82 percent revenue rate.

The CIC, however, has indicated that these are preliminary estimates based on potential production and applicable revenue rates. The actual amount of revenue loss, if any, would require verification of the product’s actual use, production, sales and tax payments.

More Than 362,000 Kilograms Imported in One Fiscal Year

The CIC’s analysis further found that Unique Traders imported a total of 362,837 kilograms of acetate tow during the 2025–26 fiscal year, including the consignment currently under investigation.

Considering the estimated production capacity of approximately 8,937 cigarettes per kilogram of acetate tow, the large volume of imports has raised questions about the actual use of the raw material, its end users and the subsequent supply chain.

The CIC is now conducting further verification to determine the actual users of the imported acetate tow, its supply destinations and whether the products were subsequently sold or transferred.

Four More Non-Existent Companies Identified

During its analysis of acetate tow imports, the CIC also identified four more companies whose existence and business activities have come under scrutiny.

Information obtained from the relevant VAT departments indicates that these companies had no actual business operations at their registered addresses. They also failed to regularly submit VAT-related returns and other required documents to the authorities.

The CIC’s preliminary investigation suggests that some entities may have obtained nominal registrations to import acetate tow, a product associated with substantial revenue, and subsequently sold or transferred the imported goods illegally.

Such practices could potentially create significant revenue risks not only at the import stage but also at the domestic production stage.

The authorities are currently examining the actual users of the imported acetate tow, its supply destinations, sales, financial transactions and the individuals and entities associated with the imports. Initiatives have also been taken to identify those involved and take action under the applicable laws.

Meanwhile, in response to the emerging concerns over the import and supply of high-revenue-sensitive acetate tow, the NBR has instructed the relevant VAT commissionerates to verify the supply chain of the product.

Revenue officials believe that, in addition to verifying the existence and genuine business activities of importers, tracking the actual users, supply destinations and subsequent sales or transfers of imported acetate tow could help identify and prevent similar revenue risks more effectively.

Thousands of crores of taka worth of imported goods are reportedly being damaged by rain and scorching sunlight at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, as the airport has yet to rebuild its only cargo village and permanent cargo shed that were destroyed by fire last year.

The airport’s sole cargo village and the approximately 158,000-square-foot permanent shed in front of it were gutted by fire on October 18 last year. Although authorities had promised to construct a new cargo shed quickly, no permanent replacement has been built even after nearly 11 months. As a result, large quantities of imported goods are being kept in the open air. Importers allege that they are still being charged storage fees despite the lack of adequate storage facilities.

Businesspeople say authorities had promised immediate steps to build a new cargo shed after the fire, but the promised facility has yet to materialise. Meanwhile, imported goods are being exposed to rain during the monsoon, causing significant losses. Young entrepreneurs operating with limited capital are reportedly among those suffering the most.

On average, around 50 flights land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport every day. Of these, eight to 10 are chartered cargo flights, while 40 to 45 are passenger flights carrying commercial goods. More than 600 tonnes of imported goods arrive at the airport daily from different countries.

It takes an average of three to four days to clear goods arriving on chartered cargo flights. As a result, between 2,000 and 2,500 tonnes of goods remain stored at the airport at any given time. Importers reportedly have to pay between Tk 20,000 and Tk 60,000 in storage charges on average for their consignments.

Importers say the absence of a permanent shed has forced authorities to keep goods in open areas, exposing them to rain and sunlight and compromising their quality. According to data from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, Dhaka experienced rainfall on 20 days in July and 15 days in August this year. During periods of prolonged rain, many goods kept in open areas at the airport reportedly became wet and damaged, with some consignments allegedly being completely ruined.

Young entrepreneurs have been particularly affected. Mobile phone accessories, gadgets and electronic products imported from China and other countries are reportedly being damaged by rainwater. Importers of raw materials for the garment and pharmaceutical industries are also facing difficulties, as prolonged exposure to rain and sunlight makes it difficult to maintain the quality of their goods.

SkyBuy BD imports products from China for young entrepreneurs. Its founder and chief executive officer, Russell Bin Ahad, said the company suffered losses of around Tk 2.5 crore when the cargo shed caught fire last year.

He said the company was also required to pay approximately Tk 2.5 crore in customs duties because the imported goods had already been recorded in the National Board of Revenue’s software. Despite accepting the losses and complying with the required procedures, he said, no new shed had been constructed in the past 11 months.

“As soon as the goods arrive, they have to be kept under the open sky, where they are exposed to rain and sunlight,” Russell said.

He also questioned the collection of storage fees. According to him, importers are charged storage fees for their consignments even though adequate storage facilities are not available. He said the resulting damage was causing not only financial losses but also harming the business reputation of young entrepreneurs.

Another entrepreneur, who requested anonymity, said he imports gadgets with limited capital. According to him, he has watched helplessly as rainwater soaked his goods, leaving him with little opportunity to protect them.

He alleged that, after failing to receive tarpaulins from the authorities, he had to purchase them himself from outside to cover his goods. He further alleged that he was forced to pay Tk 10,000 in bribes to have the goods covered. He called for entrepreneurs to be allowed to arrange temporary or permanent sheds at their own expense.

The entrepreneur also expressed concern that speaking publicly could expose him to harassment during future import procedures.

Khairul Kabir Bhuiyan Mithu, vice-president of the Dhaka Customs Agents Association, said keeping goods on the ground in an open area inevitably exposes them to rainwater from above as well as water rising from the ground.

He described the prolonged delay in repairing the cargo shed damaged by the fire as a major failure.

Airport authorities, however, have attributed the congestion partly to delays in clearing imported goods. Group Captain Ragib Samad, executive director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, said the volume of cargo arriving at the airport was higher than the rate at which C&F agents and importers were clearing their consignments.

As a result, he said, the airport was facing a shortage of space.

Ragib Samad said repairing and reopening the fire-damaged facility was not an easy task. He acknowledged that goods had been getting wet during the monsoon but said the situation could have been avoided to some extent if consignments had been cleared promptly after arrival.

He also pointed to certain limitations faced by the airport authorities and said a permanent solution to the problem would require waiting until the third terminal becomes operational.

Importers, however, argue that waiting for the third terminal while the existing crisis continues could result in further damage to imported goods. They are calling for the authorities to urgently ensure adequate covered storage facilities and review the justification for collecting storage charges where sufficient storage facilities are unavailable.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the rehabilitation of the Muhuri-Kohua Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Project (Phase I) in Parshuram upazila of Feni district on October 1.The prime minister’s visit was originally scheduled for September 17 but was later postponed and rescheduled for October 1.The project was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on June 16 at an estimated cost of Tk 1,542.16 crore.

Under the project, rivers and water bodies will be re-excavated, flood-control embankments rehabilitated, riverbanks protected and irrigation infrastructure renovated.

State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad visited Feni on Monday morning to inspect preparations for the prime minister’s visit.

During the visit, he inspected Kheyaghat, areas along the Muhuri River and the proposed public meeting venue in Parshuram upazila.

According to the district administration, the prime minister will inaugurate the project at Ghata Ghar area on the bank of the Muhuri River in Parshuram and later address a public rally there.

The prime minister will then travel to Fulgazi and attend several programmes, including a tree-plantation programme at Khaleda Zia Women’s College.

He is also scheduled to inaugurate solar panels with a combined capacity of 962.5 kilowatts installed at government offices in Parshuram, Fulgazi and Chhagalnaiya upazilas.

The prime minister will later rest and offer prayers at the Fulgazi District Council Dak Bungalow.

Between 3:00pm and 3:20pm, he is scheduled to attend a programme at Fulgazi Government Pilot High School ground.

At the programme, jointly organised by three ministries, the prime minister will take part in activities involving Family Cards, allowances for imams and priests, Farmer Cards, and assistance programmes for poor students and distressed people.

He is also scheduled to meet local political leaders and representatives of civil society.

The venues will be divided into three zones—red, yellow and white—as part of the security arrangements.

More than 2,000 police personnel will also be deployed in Parshuram and Fulgazi upazilas to ensure security.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mahbubul Karim, disclosed the information at a meeting held at the deputy commissioner’s conference room on Sunday ahead of the prime minister’s visit to Feni.

Feni Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Mohammad Al Amin Sarker said a foolproof security measure would be put in place centering the prime minister’s visit.

Besides the SSF, personnel from the police, Special Response Battalion (SRB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies would be involved in the security arrangements.

However, he could not provide the exact number of personnel to be deployed in total.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mahbubul Karim said those allowed to enter the red zone would be issued special security cards. Separate cards would be issued for the yellow zone, and only those holding the relevant cards would be allowed to enter it.

The area outside the red and yellow zones would be designated as the white zone, where members of the general public would be allowed to enter.

He also said the prime minister was expected to travel to Parshuram by road according to the tentative schedule, while arrangements for his return had not yet been finalised.

Meanwhile, preparations for the prime minister’s visit are nearing completion.

During a field visit, it was seen that preparations were underway to set up the public meeting venue on the bank of the Muhuri River in Ghata Ghar area of Parshuram.

Besides, preparations were also underway to construct a temporary helipad at Parshuram Pilot High School ground. Construction of the stage, inauguration plaque area and other necessary infrastructure at the venue was nearing completion.

Arrangements are being made to provide safe drinking water for people attending the public meeting.

The Department of Public Health Engineering is installing water tanks and portable toilets and making other sanitation arrangements at the venue. Cleaning and other necessary preparatory activities are also underway at and around the event venue.

The Roads and Highways Department is carrying out repair and maintenance work on several important sections of the Feni-Parshuram main road to ensure smooth and safe road communication.

Necessary repair and preparatory work is also being carried out around the public meeting venue along the Parshuram-Subar Bazar road.

Beautification work is similarly underway at Fulgazi Government Pilot High School ground and other important locations.

Meanwhile, local people hope the government will take permanent measures to address flooding and river erosion, establish a medical college and public university in Feni, construct an underpass at Lalpol, create employment opportunities, and improve communication and infrastructure in the district.

Amid Bangladesh’s ongoing gas crisis, Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC Managing Director Shahnewaz Parvez is facing renewed allegations of corruption, bribery, irregularities and questionable recruitment practices. Some of the allegations have reportedly been examined by an investigation committee. However, Parvez has offered explanations and differing accounts regarding several of the allegations against him.

According to the complaints, Parvez was appointed Managing Director of Titas Gas by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources after serving as Managing Director of Gas Transmission Company Limited (GTCL). His appointment reportedly triggered dissatisfaction and protests among sections of Titas employees. He is also alleged to have assumed office under security arrangements involving members of the armed forces.

One of the most serious allegations concerns Parvez’s recruitment into Petrobangla. According to the complaints, he was appointed as an Assistant Engineer (Petroleum) in 1999 without taking a written examination and was selected through an oral examination. Questions have also been raised over his BTech degree from the Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, and whether the required equivalency or accreditation certificate was submitted when he joined the service.

A three-member investigation committee was formed to examine the allegations. The committee reviewed relevant records and documents, as well as written statements and explanations from the concerned parties, before submitting its report. According to information cited in connection with the report, it found that Parvez had been recruited on the basis of an oral examination rather than a written test. Questions were also raised over whether his foreign degree had been formally assessed for equivalency at the time of his appointment.

Parvez, however, has disputed the suggestion that his recruitment was inherently irregular. He said the Petrobangla recruitment notice provided for a written and/or oral examination and that eligible candidates were subsequently invited to participate in an oral examination. He has also maintained that his four-year BTech degree in Petroleum Engineering is equivalent to a BSc in Engineering.

Questions have also been raised about his long tenure in Petrobangla’s Contract Department. Complainants allege that he worked in the department for around 23 years and, during that period, developed an influential network. Allegations have also been made concerning offshore bidding, contractual arrangements and alleged preferential treatment for certain foreign companies. These claims would require verification against official records and procurement documents.

After taking charge at Titas, Parvez faced further allegations. Complainants claim that irregularities and alleged bribery were involved in approximately 150 new gas connections and load increases for industrial establishments in Savar, Gazipur and Narayanganj, allegedly generating illicit gains of around Tk750 crore. There are also allegations that approximately 1,500 illegal connections generated at least Tk30 crore per month.

The financial figures cited in these allegations have not been independently established in the material presented and therefore require verification through financial records, connection documents and other relevant evidence.

There are further allegations that illegal bypass lines were being used at various industrial establishments under Titas and that gas pressure was manipulated in exchange for financial benefits. According to the complaints, gas pressure was allegedly reduced at some facilities while being increased at others. There are also allegations that financial considerations influenced decisions to allow customers with outstanding gas bills to pay their arrears in instalments.

Parvez has provided a different explanation regarding the instalment arrangements. He said Clause 8.5.2 of the Gas Marketing Policy 2014 allows, in certain circumstances, customers with outstanding bills to pay their arrears in instalments. According to him, such arrangements are made on a case-by-case basis upon application by customers, primarily to recover outstanding bills and avoid labour unrest when factories remain closed.

In addition, a total of 16 allegations were reportedly submitted against Parvez by officials and employees of Petrobangla and its affiliated companies. The allegations include irregularities in his recruitment, alleged violations of seniority, questionable industrial gas connections, irregularities in awarding contracts, alleged harassment of officials and the assignment of multiple important responsibilities to individual officials.

A further written complaint was reportedly submitted to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division on March 11, 2026. Additional allegations included the recovery of compensation through liquidated damages, alleged overpayment to a foreign company, gas theft allegedly concealed as system loss, manipulation of gas rationing, assigning multiple important positions to the same official, instalment arrangements for outstanding gas bills and alleged collection of money through the suspension of service lines.

The allegations have emerged at a time when Bangladesh is experiencing significant pressure on its gas supply. Shortages relative to demand have affected both residential consumers and industrial establishments. Residents in several areas under Titas’s distribution network have reported low gas pressure for substantial periods of the day. Aging pipelines, leakage, illegal connections and system losses have also been cited as factors contributing to the difficulties.

Claims have also been made that several previous complaints and investigations involving Parvez failed to result in publicly visible administrative action. Parvez has acknowledged that various complaints have been submitted against him and that investigations were conducted. However, he has said he does not know what action, if any, the ministry took following those investigations.

The allegations against Parvez therefore raise questions that can ultimately be resolved only through documentary evidence and due process. Relevant recruitment records, financial transactions, gas-connection files, procurement documents and previous investigation reports should be examined to establish what is supported by evidence and what remains unsubstantiated.

Given Titas Gas’s importance to Bangladesh’s energy supply, the allegations have significant public-interest implications. Any further action should be based on verified evidence, an impartial examination of the records and the right of the accused to respond to the allegations. Until such verification is completed, the financial and corruption-related claims should remain treated as allegations rather than established facts.