Normalcy returns as customs men call off strike for 15 days

Normalcy returned to customs offices yesterday after the striking staff yesterday joined work.

Bangladesh Customs Excise and VAT Executive Officers Association called off its indefinite strike for 15 days following assurance by Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman of addressing its 'legitimate demands'.

The association called the strike on Saturday at the Dhaka Customs House and Internal Container Depot (ICD) demanding an end to what it called harassment of tax officials by the Bureau of Anti-corruption (BAC).

It also demands empowerment of tax officials and withdrawal of 12 cases filed against some customs men for alleged tax evasion.

The work stoppage created a deadlock in external trade and the business community sought government intervention.

During a visit to the Dhaka Customs House and ICD yesterday, this correspondent found the officials and clearing and forwarding agents busy releasing goods.