Illegal Brokers Hold Chittagong Customs Hostage

A massive, unauthorized "parallel syndicate" of fake Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) agents and brokers has deeply entrenched itself within Chittagong Custom House the nation's highest revenue-generating institution. Operating without any institutional approval or valid licenses, hundreds of these middlemen openly roam various customs sections. By intentionally freezing files to hold legitimate importers hostage, demanding bribes, and forging identity cards to clear goods, this syndicate has pushed the country's primary revenue gateway into the control of unidentified, illegal actors.
 Artificial Red Tape Created to Extort
Despite the digitization of import-export assessment via the ASYCUDA World System, physical file verification remains entirely monopolized by these middlemen.
When a legitimate businessman or authorized C&F representative submits a file for clearance, these fraudulent agents operating in collusion with a section of corrupt customs officials intentionally flag artificial discrepancies. The files are then deliberately stalled across various desks. Fearing exorbitant port demurrage charges due to delays, helpless importers are forced to turn to these brokers, who then extort thousands of Taka per file as "speed money."
 Identity Forgery Breaches High Security Measures
While entry into the Custom House strictly requires digital ID passes issued jointly by Customs and the C&F Agents Association, the syndicate has completely bypassed this security protocol.
Counterfeit Identity Cards: Syndicate members freely navigate the premises wearing highly sophisticated fake ID cards, perfectly replicating the logos and signatures of reputed C&F firms.
License Renting Scams: In a highly dangerous trend, several valid license holders lease out their customs user IDs and passwords to these illegal brokers for a fixed commission. Consequently, while official records show legitimate firms, unauthorized individuals pull the strings behind the scenes. When a fraud is detected, the broker vanishes, leaving the original license holder to face legal notices.
Security Compromised as Classified Documents Vanish
This pervasive broker culture has led to a total collapse of the internal security apparatus at Chittagong Customs. The unrestricted movement of outsiders has resulted in the theft of highly confidential official documents, manipulation of physical cargo inspection reports, and widespread duty evasion.
Furthermore, when importers fall victim to swindling, they are left with no legal recourse, as these fraudulent agents leave no paper trail or official existence within the customs database.
 Biometric Systems Urgently Needed to Modernize
The General Secretary of the Chittagong Customs C&F Agents Association stated that a special surveillance cell has been formed to identify fake cardholders, urging customs authorities to take stricter measures.
The Path Forward: Experts emphasize that to dismantle this invisible syndicate, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) must immediately implement biometric access control (fingerprint or facial recognition) at all entry points. Furthermore, the licenses of genuine firms found renting out their credentials must be permanently canceled. Without these absolute reforms, the economy of the country's largest custom house will remain permanently hijacked.