Cases of tax evasion up at Benapole land port
Benapole land port has witnesses an increasing trend of tax evasion by false declarations during the fiscal 2011-12.
At least 294 cases of false declaration were detected in the last fiscal year while the customs department realised Tk 35 crore as fine from the importers.
The government is being deprived of a huge amount of revenue as a large number of importers evade tax while bringing goods through the land port.
Sources said, all these things usually take place in collaboration with customs and port officials, importers and C&F agents at the land port.
Md Akbar Hossain, joint commissioner of Benapole Customs House, said the department at the port had detected 218 incidents of such declarations in the financial year 2010-2011 and realised Tk 18.7 crore fine.
At least 34 cases of false declaration were found and Tk 4.3 crore realised as fine from the importers concerned in July alone in 2011-12, according to Benapole customs taxation department.
In August of the same fiscal year, 41 cases were detected and Tk 4.6 crore was fined while in September, 22 cases were found and Tk 2.6 crore fined. In October, 28 cases were detected and Tk 3.3 crore was realised.
Twenty-two cases were found and Tk 2.5 crore was fined in November. In December, 25 cases were detected and Tk 2.7 crore fined, in January, 27 cases were detected and Tk 3.6 crore was fined, in February, 8 cases were detected and Tk 62 lakh was fined.
In March, 14 cases were detected and Tk 2.1 crore was fined. Sixteen cases were found and Tk 2 crore was fined in April while in May, 15 cases were detected and Tk 2.8 crore was realised as fine from the importers.
Thirty-two cases were detected in June and Tk 4.4 crore was realised as fine, customs sources said.
Sirajul Islam, vice president of Benapole Clearing & Forwarding (C&F) Agents Association, alleged that some customs and port officials were involved with importing goods by false declarations.
Without their direct involvement, such incidents could not take place, he added.
Director (Traffic) Abdul Awal of the port said there is every possibility of a role of shed in-charges or guards in such activities.
If allegations are found true, stern action would be taken against those involved, he added.
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