Graft allegations cloud Benapole port’s Tk4,731cr revenue shortfall

Revenue collection at Benapole Customs House, the country's largest land port, fell Tk4,731 crore short of its revised target in FY2025-26 amid declining imports, sluggish global trade and growing allegations of customs fraud and duty evasion.

According to customs data, the National Board of Revenue had set a revised target of Tk11,290 crore, but Benapole Customs collected only Tk6,559 crore. The figure was also about Tk470 crore lower than the Tk7,029.38 crore collected in FY25.

Imports declined as well, falling from 1.599 million tonnes in FY25 to 1.402 million tonnes in FY26. Officials attributed the shortfall to reduced imports, weaker global trade and changes in the tariff structure. NBR data also show lower imports of high-duty items, including fruits, sarees and three-piece outfits.

Duty rates on imports under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) have risen from 7% in FY24 to 11% in FY25 and 35% in FY26, according to Benapole Land Port data.

Traders and revenue insiders allege the higher tariffs have encouraged false declarations, manipulated cargo weights, undeclared imports and misuse of SAFTA benefits to evade duties.

Multiple cases point to systemic lapses

On 14 June, customs sought an explanation from the port authority after an empty Indian truck was recorded with two different weights – 4,880kg and 4,920kg – on Digital Weighbridge No 5 at the same time. A customs official said the truck, declared as carrying bicycle parts, was later detained for investigation.

On 12 March, authorities uncovered the alleged misappropriation of Indian sarees and three-piece outfits worth nearly Tk6 crore imported under the declaration of baking powder. Customs filed a case against 18 people on 10 June. 

Five days later, high-duty goods worth about Tk1.5 crore were seized after being declared as erasers and pencils.

Investigators also detected a weighbridge discrepancy involving a grape consignment imported by Rokeya Traders on 25 April.

On 21 June, Border Guard Bangladesh seized a truck carrying Indian sarees and cosmetics worth about Tk2.5 crore. Assistant Revenue Officer Indrajit Mukharjee was detained, while Assistant Revenue Officer Ariful Islam Chowdhury, customs sepoy Mohammad Sagar and several others faced departmental action.

Four days later, CCTV footage captured 40 packages being transferred between trucks inside the port's chemical zone. Customs later found a 2,784kg inventory discrepancy, and the port filed a case against 10 people, alleging fake entry passes were used to remove goods.

Between March and June, authorities filed four cases naming 54 accused, suspended nine C&F agents' licences and launched departmental proceedings against several customs officials. Most investigations remain ongoing.

Calls for stronger oversight

Ziaur Rahman, general secretary of the Benapole Import-Export Association, said allegations of duty evasion and goods disappearing from customs sheds should be investigated impartially, including the role of officials responsible for overseeing port operations. 

"Unless those actually responsible are identified, the same irregularities will continue," he said, calling for strict legal action against those found guilty and greater transparency to restore traders' confidence.

Businessman Habibur Rahman Hobi said even minor manipulation of digital weighbridges could cost the government crores of taka in lost revenue and urged round-the-clock technology-based monitoring.

Benapole Land Port Director Shamim Hossain said an inquiry committee had been formed to investigate allegations of weighbridge manipulation and other irregularities, with departmental and legal action to follow if wrongdoing is proven.

Customs Commissioner Md Faizur Rahman said customs would show "no leniency" towards anyone involved in false declarations, weighbridge manipulation or duty evasion, while investigations into multiple cases continue.