Editorial
Sabotage at Ctg Customs House
Must we be held ransom to spoilers?
WE were elated on Saturday at the news of installation of two sophisticated automation equipment inside the customs house at Chittagong Port. Understandably, it was a happy occasion when the port authorities switched on the Import General Manifest (IGM) and Export General Manifest (EGM) module under the first phase of introduction of automation at the customs house. The automation aimed at completing all customs formalities in only six steps against about 42 under the previous system. The objective behind taking the step was to increase revenue earning, minimise irregularities and enhance efficiency of the biggest seaport of the country.
But our elation turned into despair on Sunday when we came to know that some criminals had found their way inside at night and made a serious attempt to damage the system with an ulterior motive. To the plain eye it appeared like an inside job and port authorities also termed the incident an act of sabotage. It is, however, a relief that the system could be made operational soon after the incident. Nevertheless, we wonder how could such machinations get a free play. The security slack was simply unacceptable in case of such a highly prized project.
The nefarious act, taking place inside a double protected area, only points finger at the existence of a strong syndicate comprising of some corrupt elements operating from both inside and outside the port. These people are known to be a highly influential lot who have been resisting change for years together with veritable impunity. It is only possible that they have acted in cahoots to materialise their narrow personal agenda at the cost of national interest. It needs to be mentioned that the automation system has been introduced to empower the customs authorities to check evasion of revenue and double the income, which stands at Tk. 11,000 crore per annum at present. Furthermore, it is aimed at reducing business expenditure by 40 to 50 percent and save time needed for completing customs formalities by 80 percent.
We strongly denounce the deplorable act, which must not go unpunished. We understand the law enforcing authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the incident. They must succeed in exposing the criminals and bringing them to justice. The major port of the country must be modernised to compete with other ports in the region.
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