DHAKA: Two vicious circles known as ‘Faltu’ and ‘Bodi Alom’ are controlling country’s leading Chittagong port. Payments beyond normal rules have become a regular system in the customs duty process.

This information was divulged by TIB in a research paper presented at a function on ‘Automation in Chittagong port and customs house dealing import and export: Challenge of good governance and its remedies’ held at Brac Center Inn on Monday.
 
This research paper was presented by TIB official Monzur-e- Khoda and Juliet Rosette. After the presentation of papers a press briefing was held.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Trustee Board Member M Hafizuddin Khan, Deputy Executive Sumaiya Khair were present in the briefing.

In the briefing, it was mentioned that there are 60-70 ‘Bodi Aloms’ and ‘Faltus’ are working here after being personally appointed as assistant without having any legality by the customs house officials. These people make arrangements in the process of duty imposition in exchange of financial benefits on behalf of the customs officials.

In the paper, it was mentioned that the officials are very much dependent on these ‘faltus’ as even they know the computer password of the concerned officials.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman informed that the Chittagong port authority (CPA) has been hostaged to these two vicious circles. These people belong to a vested quarter. They in exchange of money provide helps to service receivers.

He disclosed that at the port an illegal transaction of Tk. 47 lakh takes place every day.   
There is lack of transparency or good governance at Chittagong port and customs house, it added.
 
He called upon the concerned authorities to introduce online in the duty imposition process to reduce irregularities and corruption.

BDST: 1634 HRS, JUL 14, 2014