Chittagong C&F agents go on strike today

Clearing and forwarding agents at Chittagong port yesterday called indefinite work abstention from today, making allegations against the customs authorities of charging excessive fines.
The agents said the authorities do not follow any rule while charging fines and customs duties and ignore the government's evaluation policy.
They also demanded removal of the commissioner of the port city customs house and levelled allegations against him of corruption and misbehaviour with the agents.
One of the leaders of Chittagong Custom C&F Agents' Association said such agents of Dhaka and Mongla sea ports will go on three-hour strike at their respective ports until the problem is solved.
The leaders spoke at a meeting organised by Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) at the chamber's premises and strongly demanded removal of the commissioner of Chittagong Custom House.
MA Latif, lawmaker and a CCCI leader, said he would personally take initiative to solve the problem which may badly hamper the country's export and import.
Terming the situation "a big threat" to the country's premier sea port, Latif assured them of holding a joint meeting among the C&F agents, officials of the National Board of Revenue and the finance ministry by September 30.
The leaders of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Port Users' Forum and other trade bodies also spoke.
The trade body leaders urged the C&F agents not to go for work abstention before negotiating with the customs authorities.