Ctg Customs House limps along
Lack of manpower hampers activities, create scope for corruption
Chittagong Customs House Bhaban. Photo: STAR
Shortage of human resources hampers activities at Chittagong Customs House alongside creating scope for part-timers to work there. Working on “no work, no pay” basis at important sections, the part-timers, known as Tonni, stand as a barrier to maintaining official secrecy, said the sources. The customs house is running with the workforce less than what was approved for it back in 1982 though its activities increased by several times by now, sources said. With no recruitment taking place since early nineties Customs House, Chittagong is now left with a total of 668 officials and employees against 792 authorised posts (as per organogram of 1982). At present there are some 32 first class officers against 41 approved posts and 95 third class staffs against 135 posts. There is only one official sweeper for 40 toilets and only two official security guards to take care of the whole of the three-storey Chittagong Customs House building. In absence of recruitment, some 285 officials and employees had been working in the same place over the last ten years. The manpower shortage forced the authorities to allow some 50 part-timers known as “Tonni” to work against different vacant posts at both import and export divisions of Chittagong Customs House for a daily payment of Tk 80 each. Tonnis are working as assistants, computer operators and peons for a long period ranging from 10 to 15 years. They also assist newly posted principal appraisers (PA), appraisers and inspectors at the customs house working on deputation from value added tax (VAT) and other offices under National Board of Revenue (NBR). “Recently 14 office assistants and senior assistants have been promoted to the posts of appraisers. In absence of recruitments these 14 posts are lying vacant and are being manned by the Tonnis,” said a customs official preferring anonymity. Thus being engaged in confidential and important works like assessment of goods, Tonnies some times get involved in corruption and irregularities, he alleged. An official at Audit Inspection and Research (AIR) branch said three Tonnies were caught red-handed while trying to release imported printing paper worth Tk 20 lakh by forging signatures of principal appraiser and appraiser on January 14. While talking to this correspondent on Tuesday one of such Tonnis identified as Sheikh Abul Hasan said he has been working at Group 4 of Chittagong customs house from 2000. “Having crossed the age limit of government job far ago I am now left with no other option other than the hope for getting permanent in my job here,” said Hasan. The customs officials while talking to this correspondent said seven Tonnis at customs assessment desk have been sacked for their involvement in corruption and irregularities. They said regularising the service of Tonnies or training for the officers coming on deputation can prevent appointment of Tonnis in important works and check corruption. Deputy Commissioner (Preventive) Shamsul Islam said lack of manpower forced the Chittagong customs house authorities to engage the part-timers. However, anyone involved in corruption is getting punishment.Joint Commissioner (Import) Md Moazzem Hossain also echoing the same said the authorities have been making proposals for recruitments to overcome the manpower shortage from time to time.
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