Bhomra land port in complete shutdown, government losing Tk 30 crore revenue every day

A 'complete shutdown' program is underway in customs, duty and tax offices across the country demanding the removal of National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan and the withdrawal of the transfer order of officials. As part of this, all types of import and export activities have been closed at Bhomra land port in Satkhira since the morning of last Thursday (June 28). As a result, this one of the most important land ports in the country has practically become non-functional.

All activities at the port, including customs clearance, inspection, loading and unloading of trucks, have been closed. As a result, four to five thousand workers here have become unemployed. Businessmen have faced extreme losses. In addition, the government is reportedly losing Tk 20 to 30 crore revenue every day.

Currently, about 400 to 500 trucks carrying goods are stuck at the Ghojadanga port in Bhomra and India. Due to the closure of import and export, the trucks have been standing inside the port for a long time. Due to this, the companies transporting goods are having to pay extra demurrage.

Former general secretary of Bhomra C&F Association and businessman Ohidul Islam said that no activities are being conducted as customs officials are participating in the shutdown as part of the central program. As a result, the port has practically come to a standstill. Traders are facing extreme financial losses.

Joynal Abedin and Abu Musa, truck drivers of Karnaphuli Farm and a textile mill from Dhaka, said that they reached the port on Thursday afternoon. But due to the shutdown that began at the call of the NBR Reform Unity Council, they have not been able to send the goods to India yet. They said, "Our owners are having to pay extra money every day as the goods are stuck."

Bhomra Customs Station Assistant Revenue Officer Russell Ahmed said that a 'complete shutdown' is being observed as part of the central program. This program will continue until further instructions are received from the NBR Reform Unity Council.

In this situation, businessmen from both countries have been in extreme distress. The government is facing a major setback in revenue collection. However, since international passenger services are outside the scope of this program, passenger movement is normal on a limited basis.