Allegations of bribery, deliberate delays in file processing, and harassment of Customs Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) personnel have emerged over cargo clearance and unstuffing operations at Chattogram Customs House. The allegations have been directed at Assistant Commissioner (AC) Omar Kawsar and Revenue Officer Sumon Kanti Biswas. Business representatives and C&F employees claim that unnecessary delays and various pretexts are being used to put pressure on them to make improper payments for the release of goods.
According to the complainants, money is allegedly collected on a weekly basis from five unstuffing gates at Chattogram Port, including the PCT. They claim that Tk 150,000 is collected from each gate every week. However, these allegations have not been independently verified, and no supporting financial records or official statements from the relevant authorities have been obtained. The claims therefore require an impartial investigation to establish their authenticity.
Allegations of Delays in Cargo Clearance
C&F employees allege that they are instructed to visit Assistant Commissioner Omar Kawsar's office on the grounds that his approval is required for the clearance of commercial goods. They further claim that even after the goods have been presented to the officials responsible for the respective gates, the clearance process is delayed on the pretext of conducting additional inspections.
According to the complainants, they are sometimes told that the goods will be inspected the following day, while files are allegedly held up for various reasons on other occasions. As a result, goods cannot be cleared within the expected timeframe, forcing businesses to incur additional demurrage, transportation, and other expenses.
The complainants claim that the prospect of mounting financial losses leaves some business representatives under pressure to comply with alleged demands for unofficial payments. They argue that unnecessary delays in routine administrative procedures disrupt import and export activities, increase business costs, and potentially affect the smooth operation of the port.
Allegations Against Sumon Kanti Biswas
Revenue Officer Sumon Kanti Biswas, who is reportedly responsible for the MBB unstuffing gate, has also been accused by aggrieved C&F employees. They allege that he regularly visits the Assistant Commissioner's office and plays a role in delays in cargo clearance, citing various reasons.
However, his specific role in the alleged irregularities has not been independently established, and no conclusive evidence has been obtained to substantiate the claims against him.
An employee who spoke on condition of anonymity claimed that delays in cargo clearance increase the risk of financial losses for businesses. The employee alleged that this situation is being used to exert pressure on traders and their representatives to make improper payments. However, no specific transaction records, documentary evidence, or independently verified accounts directly supporting this allegation have been examined.
Long Waits and Mounting Costs
C&F employees further allege that the harassment has not diminished despite their protests and media reports on the issue. Instead, they claim that the situation has worsened.
According to their accounts, they are sometimes kept waiting throughout the day and informed between 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm that the goods will be inspected the following day. Such delays can force them to wait an additional day for clearance, potentially increasing demurrage charges and other expenses.
The complainants maintain that these circumstances place business representatives under considerable financial pressure as they attempt to secure the timely release of goods. They say that examining the dates of the incidents, relevant file numbers, inspection schedules, and written instructions from responsible officials could help establish what actually occurred.
Call for an Impartial Investigation
Business representatives and C&F employees have called for intervention by senior authorities to ensure transparency and accountability at Chattogram Customs House. They have urged the authorities to investigate the allegations impartially and take appropriate action in accordance with the law if evidence of wrongdoing is established.
They have also called for effective measures to prevent unnecessary delays and harassment during cargo clearance.
A thorough investigation could examine the alleged collection of money at the unstuffing gates, cargo inspection schedules, file-processing procedures, and relevant administrative and financial records. Statements from complainants and other witnesses could also help establish the facts.
The allegations have raised concerns among some members of the business community about the transparency and efficiency of cargo clearance at this important customs facility. Nevertheless, allegations alone do not establish guilt, and any findings must be based on verifiable evidence and relevant documents.
The responses of Assistant Commissioner Omar Kawsar, Revenue Officer Sumon Kanti Biswas, and the relevant authorities at Chattogram Customs House should be sought and incorporated into the report. Clarification is also needed on whether any formal investigation has been initiated, whether its findings have been published, and what action, if any, has been taken.
An impartial inquiry, supported by documentary evidence and statements from all relevant parties, would help determine the validity of the allegations and establish whether any administrative or legal action is warranted.