Stop terrorists from shipping goods, Muhith asks customs

Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday asked customs officials to work in a coordinated manner with other stakeholders so that terrorists are unable to ship goods through border control points.

“Terrorism has become a major issue now -- we have to control borders in a coordinated way so that terrorists cannot enter with contraband goods,” Muhith said.

Muhith's comments came at a programme organised by the National Board of Revenue to mark World Customs Day, which is observed in 179 countries.

Various programmes were organised at nine customs houses including Dhaka and Chittagong with the slogan 'Coordinated Border Management: An Inclusive Approach for Connecting Stakeholders'.

Customs was once the main source of revenue for the state, but its share fell over the years due to gradual reduction of duties in line with the government's goal to liberalise trade.

Today, customs accounts for 27 percent of revenues, while value-added tax and income tax account for the rest, according to Muhith.

One of the main responsibilities of customs is to make arrangements such that goods can move smoothly, he said, while extending his support to easy movement of people through borders as well.

“We are talking about smooth movement of people across borders but movement within the country has now become dangerous,” Muhith said, adding that such a situation has risen from vindictive politics.

“I call it vindictive politics because it is not a movement. It will be incorrect to say these are normal activities of opposition parties. People are kept in fear. Focus is given to killings of people and arson attacks -- it is totally unacceptable.”

Muhith went on to call for support from participants in the programme to control such activities.

“We should not allow it in our country. I think leaders of opposition parties should take a message that there is a limit to tolerance.” “If that limit is crossed, there will be a big danger -- and we want to get rid of that. I believe good sense will prevail.”

 Meanwhile, NBR Chairman Md Nojibur Rahman said various initiatives have been taken to facilitate trade.

Mashiur Rahman, adviser to the prime minister on economic affairs, asked the NBR to conduct proper research before taking any decision.

It is important to have an in-depth knowledge of the economy because customs-related decisions in many cases have an impact at the firm-level and economy, he said. “Customs management will be better if steps are taken for research.”

Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed, president of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, demanded that the government consults the business community before making policies.

It is also necessary to change the mindset of NBR so that people are not afraid of visiting customs and income tax offices, he said. Also at the programme, some 20 individuals, including customs officials and stakeholders, were awarded certificates of the World Customs Organisation for their outstanding performances.

Over at the port city, the Chittagong Customs House organised a seminar to mark the day.

Speakers called for strengthening coordination between customs houses and different stakeholders to make shipments and delivery quicker and easier for smooth export and import activities.

They also recommended making customs activities fully automated as well as changing the mindsets and skills of customs officials in line with the changing scenario in global business.

State Minister for Finance and Planning MA Mannan said the customs officials need to be more tolerant and practical while on duty.

Enayet Hossain, president of customs, excise and VAT appellate division, underscored the need for upgrading technical know-how, skill, logistic support of customs administration to give better service. 

Atiqul Islam, president of Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said the customs procedures have become easier than before but they need to be fully automated.

He also called for presence of customs officials in private inland container depots after 9.30pm.