Chattogram:Chattogram Custom House has initiated an e-auction for five containers of perishable goods, including 47,440 kg of fresh apples and 78,300 kg of fresh ginger, currently stored at Chattogram Port. The total weight of the goods amounts to nearly 126 tonnes, with a combined reserve price of around Tk 1.8 crore.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the e-auction notice was issued on November 3, and interested bidders can submit their bids online from 900 am on November 4 until 200 pm on November 9. The auction aims to ensure the quick, transparent, and competitive disposal of these goods to reduce congestion at the port and protect government revenue.
The five containers include two 40-foot containers, each holding 23,720 kg of apples with a reserve price of Tk 46,41,619.21 per container. The remaining three containers contain fresh ginger, with one container holding 24,300 kg and the other two containing 27,000 kg each. The total reserve price for the ginger consignments is Tk 87,07,861.55.
Prospective bidders are allowed to inspect the goods at the port during office hours on November 5. As the goods will be sold on an 'as is where is' basis, it is advised to verify the nature, quantity, quality, and condition before participating. Bidders are required to submit a security deposit equivalent to five percent of the reserve price through a pay order, bank draft, or demand draft in favor of the Commissioner, Custom House, Chattogram.
The bids will be opened at 230 pm on November 9 at the auction branch of the Custom House. The successful bidder, upon approval of the highest bid, will need to pay 10 percent advance income tax and 15 percent VAT on the bid amount before taking delivery of the goods, adhering to applicable laws and regulations.
Assistant Commissioner Nazmul Hossain, in charge of the auctions, stated that the initiative is crucial to prevent the deterioration of perishable goods due to prolonged storage, which occupies valuable port space. The timely disposal of these goods is essential for improving port capacity and ensuring proper revenue collection.