Reshuffle in revenue sector may hamper reforms in Ctg Customs
The major reshuffle in the revenue sector is likely to hamper the reforms, including introduction of an easy and transparent taxation system and realisation of outstanding revenues at Chittagong Customs House.
Out of top 50 customs officials, National Board of Revenue (NBR) transferred its 12 officials from Chittagong Customs House on August 2.
The officials include Chittagong Customs (Export and Import) Commissioner Md Farid Uddin and Chittagong Customs (Import) Joint Commissioner -2 Matiur Rahman, two mentors of reforms in Chittagong Customs House initiated by the customs authorities and the taskforce formed by the joint forces.
Of the reforms that started in June is introduction of automation of taxation system.
The businessmen hailed the automation of taxation system which would help run export and import activities from home and free them from hassles of the middlemen.
The Chittagong Customs House officials and members of joint forces at a meeting on July 3 started primary task to introduce the automation system by January next year.
The meeting also decided to raise a fund called 'Development Service Fund' collecting Tk 70 in addition to the fixed document processing fees of Tk 30 against each bill of entry and bill of export for procuring computer and other equipment for both the customs houses (export and import).
A committee has also been formed at the meeting with members from both the customs houses, joint forces, Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Corrugated Carton and Accessories Manufacturers' and Exporters Association (BCCEMEA), Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and other agencies concerned for determining and supervising the projects with the fund money.
The meeting was told that Tk 11.70 crore was needed to introduce the automation system and other facilities.
Tk 21 lakh has already been collected as of August 8 since July 22, customs sources said.
In the meantime, as a part of the reforms customs houses and joint forces have taken measures to check fraud practised by a section of dishonest importers in connivance with some Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI) companies.
Besides, regular monthly meetings and punitive actions by the customs houses and joint forces have started paying back as the number of writs against PSI related cases has come down to two in July where some 30 to 40 petitions were lodged a month earlier.
The authorities have also decided to introduce Direct Trade Input (DTI) and Management Information System (MIS) for proper monitoring and checking tax evasion.
But, the order to transfer the reform mentors on August 2 just one day after the NBR was informed of the initiative for introducing the automation system on August 1.
The joint forces and intelligence agencies, however, on August 4 asked NBR to reconsider its decision to transfer Farid and Matiur in vain.
The transfer order triggered resentment among all involved with the reforms at Chittagong Customs houses.
A stalemate prevailed over all sort of taxation activities at Chittagong Customs on Sunday when the new revenue officials came to join office.
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