Khasru warns stern action against harassment at Ctg Port 

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that if allegations of harassment of importers by officials and employees at Chattogram Port are proven, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

The minister made the remarks on Tuesday in a written response to a question from Member of Parliament Md. Abdullah during a session of the National Parliament. The session was presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram.

In his question, Md. Abdullah stated that a section of dishonest customs officials and employees at Chattogram Port allegedly harass importers in various ways by subjecting goods to re-inspection even after they have already undergone 100 percent examination. He asked whether any plans would be undertaken to protect importers from such harassment and, if so, when those measures would be implemented.

In response, Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said that to prevent such harassment, a Customs Risk Management Commissionerate has been established, and initiatives have been taken to launch its operations from July of the upcoming fiscal year.

He explained that once implemented, the system will enable the selection of goods for inspection through an automated process based on risk criteria, without human intervention. At the same time, the Risk Management Module of the ASYCUDA World system has already been upgraded to make automated risk management more modern and effective.