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ACC's observation about Ctg customs
10/13/2005
RECENTLY a team of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) gave a surprise visit to the Chittagong Customs House. Although customs officials claimed that the team showed satisfaction over the CCH's activities, a report published in the FE said the ACC has prepared 12 recommendations for the house to improve its service. So it means that they were not satisfied.
No doubt, the Chittagong Port and the customs are in a state of deadlock affecting smooth export and import activities. Corruption, irregularities and unionism have hardly impaired the operational performance of the country's main seaport almost idle. As a result of this, this port has added a negative image to the country.
We remember that when our batch was preparing for the Public Service Commission examination in the first part of 90s, many chose the customs' job as the first priority. When asked, almost all gave the same answer, showing the reason that they would be rich within a few days in this service. So one can easily assume that this image of customs has not yet changed. In the last few years, we have not found any drastic efforts taken by any government to change this perception of the customs.
So at this moment, if the customs official's claim regarding ACC's reaction to the CCH activities is proved true, then one can ask: how is the ACC performing its task? And if it is otherwise, the ACC team owes to the people a clarification on this score. We believe that the ACC's comment and feedback would help them earn the credibility of this institution. But since its inception, the ACC has not played such a role that can generate people's confidence in it.
Maman Khan
Dilkhusa, Dhaka.
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