Chattogram Bureau

Operations at the Custom House, Chattogram came to a standstill on Saturday (24 May) as officers and employees observed a full-day strike in protest against the recently formed ordinance dissolving the National Board of Revenue (NBR). 

The strike, which began at 9:00 am, will continue until 5:00 pm.

As a result, customs clearance of imported goods has been suspended, causing significant disruptions for importers. 

However, customs officials confirmed that the clearance process for export goods remains unaffected.

Speaking to the Daily Country Today, Deputy Commissioner and spokesperson of the custom house Saidul Islam said, "No assessment of imported goods is taking place during this time."

A similar strike is scheduled for Sunday (25 May), he added.

S.M. Saiful Alam, president of Chattogram's Custom Agents Association, said, "Trade and commerce are stagnating due to the continued strike by customs officials. We are incurring severe losses. 

"We urge the authorities to find a rational and timely solution. The longer this disruption continues, the greater the impact on traders and ultimately, on the prices of goods."

He added that clearing and forwarding (C&F) agent employees have been waiting day after day for import assessments. 

"The delays in customs clearance have paralysed port operations. We urgently need a resolution to this crisis," he said.

Typically, the custom house processes around 2,000 bills of entry daily. 

However, due to the ongoing protest, this number has dropped by nearly half. 

Stakeholders fear that this will negatively impact revenue collection at the country's busiest customs station.

Traders reported substantial financial losses resulting from the slowdown in customs operations. 

The delay in the assessment and clearance of imported goods has led to congestion at the port, increasing storage costs and other related expenses.

According to customs sources, the pen-down strike by customs officials began on 13 May and continued until 19 May, excluding Friday. 

The protest was briefly relaxed from 20 to 22 May following meetings between NBR officials and the government, during which various assurances were given.