The BNP yesterday alleged that the government, sidetracking the National Board of Revenue, has unilaterally reduced customs fee to Tk580 from Tk1,000 for transit or transhipment of each tonne of Indian goods through Bangladesh.
Addressing a press briefing, BNP spokesperson Asaduzzaman Ripon urged the government to reconsider NBR’s proposals on the transit fess of Indian goods, reports UNB.
“The NBR at an inter-ministerial meeting on transit and transhipment on Wednesday proposed Tk1,000 as customs fee for transit or transhipment of per tonne of Indian goods through Bangladesh. But, ignoring the NBR’s proposal, the fee was brought down to Tk580,” said Ripon.
He also said: “We think, the government has unilaterally lowered the customs fee, and Tk580 is very inadequate amount as fee. This decision is not acceptable as it was not made protecting the country’s interest. It must be reviewed.”
Ripon said most people in Bangladesh want the ties and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and India to be strengthened. “But we are seeing with regret that the advisers, ministers and officials engaged in negotiating the fees with India are failing to perform and exercise their expertise. They are showing a subservient attitude.”
Mentioning that the BNP is not against transit and transhipment, Ripon said their party only wants the country to get justified customs fees for transporting of Indian goods through Bangladesh territory.
