Business figures raised concerns recently alleging harassment from customs authorities during the clearance process for their goods.
AK Azad, Chairman and CEO of Ha-Meem Group, criticised customs for what he perceives as oppression aimed at meeting revenue targets, citing a lack of proper adherence to the Harmonised System (HS) code—a standardised numerical classification for traded products.
As per reports, Azad, also a former president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), expressed frustration, stating that regardless of HS code compliance, businesses are compelled to pay duty and face penalties.
He decried this situation as a great injustice, asserting that under such conditions, industrialization and employment generation become challenging.
Azad emphasised the need for businesses to receive relief for the expansion of employment opportunities.
These remarks were made as Azad received the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Export Trophy for achieving the highest export earnings of US $ 223.55 million in the 2020-21 fiscal year at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.
FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam echoed the sentiments, suggesting that the National Board of Revenue should shift away from a penalty-oriented culture and instead focus on reviewing anomalies.