Customs Evasion Rampant, Says Dhaka Tribune

Coal and stone imports from India coming into Bangladesh’s Sonahat Land Port and Chilmari River Port are being misdeclared on a consistent basis with customs officials and others tacitly facilitating the underreporting imports, according to Dhaka Tribune.    

In an investigative report, Ariful Islam Rigan of Dhaka Tribune cited a recent raid conducted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) at Sonahat Land Port revealed evidence confirming allegations and implicating revenue officials, customs & freight (C&F) agents, and importers in the process.

Rigan also said “significant irregularities” have been seen in coal imports at Chilmari River Port, suggesting fraudulent activities with potential ties to money laundering.

In one instance, a revenue official admitted that a coal-laden ship from India initially declared as originating from a third country bypassed regulations through use of a new letter of credit.