Chattogram: Chattogram Customs House (CCH) prevented attempts to evade significant amount of revenue by confiscating a good number of import consignments brought under false declaration.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, CCH sources revealed that the authority has unearthed and foiled 762 incidents of tax dodging, resulting in the collection of approximately Tk 110 crore in additional revenue from July 2024 to May 2025.
Of the aforementioned amount, nearly Tk 50 crore has been collected as tax, while approximately Tk 60 crore were realized as penalties for importing consignments through false declarations. This practice is often employed by unscrupulous businessmen to evade legal tax obligations.
CCH Commissioner Mohammad Shafi Uddin informed BSS that a substantial number of tax dodging cases were detected and foiled, contributing significantly to the government’s exchequer. This was achieved through strict surveillance activities aimed at preventing tax evasion. “We have adopted a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to curb tax-related fraudulence,” he stated, emphasizing the steps taken to inspect imported consignments and engage in discussions with stakeholders to resolve disputes.
The data highlights a significant variation in monthly revenue collection and additional revenue over the past 11 months, with amounts ranging from Tk 6 crore to Tk 18.82 crore. March registered the highest collection. The month-wise amounts realized during the July-May period are: July – Tk 10.13 crore, August – Tk 11 crore, September – Tk 6.34 lakh, October – Tk 7.53 crore, November – Tk 6.42 crore, December – Tk 10 crore, January – Tk 6.77 crore, February – Tk 10.68 crore, April – Tk 9.35 crore, and May – Tk 11.3 crore.
Revenue growth percentages for each month are: July – 51.68%, August – 5.19%, September +15.27%, October +93.57%, November +51.77%, December +48.21%, January +40.46%, February +7.55%, March +88.60%, April -8.33%, and May +54.16%. The revenue collection increased by Tk 15 crore during the period compared to corresponding months of the previous fiscal year, with the detection of 146 additional evasion cases.
CCH sources highlighted the effective role of the AIR branch in not only increasing revenue collection but also in curbing money laundering through fraudulent means. The branch has consistently focused on ensuring the integrity and transparency of import-export activities through vigilance and strict enforcement of a ‘zero tolerance’ policy against revenue evasion.
CCH Commissioner Mohammad Shafi Uddin further mentioned that efforts have been made to provide adequate logistical and technological support to identify doubtful import consignments. Additionally, awareness campaigns have been conducted among all concerned parties, including importers and carriers, to prevent tax dodging. The authority is also working closely with relevant stakeholders to address loopholes in tax evasion strategies.