73 Tonnes of Bonded Duplex Board Diverted to Naya Bazar, 10 Trucks Seized

Cargo imported duty-free for a bonded factory in Khulna allegedly rerouted to Old Dhaka; customs intelligence launches investigation

Nearly 73 tonnes of duplex board imported under Bangladesh’s bonded warehouse facility for a bonded factory in Khulna were allegedly diverted from their designated route and taken to Naya Bazar in Old Dhaka, where the goods were reportedly being prepared for unloading and sale.

Acting on a tip-off, officials of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) conducted a raid on Friday night and seized 10 trucks carrying the consignment.

Nine of the seized trucks were found carrying duplex board, while the contents of the remaining truck could not immediately be identified, according to a press release issued by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Saturday.

One truck from the convoy managed to flee after sensing the presence of customs intelligence officials. Investigators later identified and seized another truck that had been stationed in Naya Bazar. Efforts are underway to trace and seize the truck that escaped.

Cargo meant for Khulna ends up in Old Dhaka

According to customs documents, the duplex board was imported from India’s Mehali Papers Private Limited in the name of Shri Flexopack Limited, a bonded establishment based in Khulna.

The goods were cleared through Chattogram Customs House. M.A. Azad & Company Limited acted as the clearing and forwarding (C&F) agent, while Delta Transport Service was responsible for transporting the consignment.

The conventional bypass route for cargo travelling from Chattogram to Khulna runs through Kanchpur, Signboard, Postogola, the Mawa Expressway and the Padma Bridge before reaching Khulna.

However, the trucks carrying the consignment allegedly deviated from the designated route and entered Naya Bazar in Old Dhaka.

Naya Bazar, Ray Saheb Bazar and Tantibazar are outside the normal transport route for goods destined for Khulna.

Possible breach of bonded facility rules

Under the bonded warehouse facility, raw materials imported duty-free are required to be transported to authorised factories or warehouses and used for approved production activities.

Transferring such goods to an unauthorised warehouse or commercial outlet, selling them in the open market or using them for purposes other than approved production may constitute a violation of bonded facility conditions and could potentially result in customs duty and tax evasion.

However, the liability of any individual or entity involved in the incident has not yet been established.

The CIID is examining the ownership of the seized trucks, the quantity of goods, transport seals, import and transportation documents, the bonded licence and utilisation permissions associated with the consignment.

Investigators are also looking into the possible involvement of potential buyers or warehouse operators in Naya Bazar, as well as the importer, C&F agent and transport company.

If the investigation establishes irregularities or misuse of the bonded facility, those responsible may face action under the relevant customs and bonded warehouse laws.

The seizure has once again highlighted concerns over the possible diversion of duty-free bonded goods into the domestic market—a practice that can undermine the purpose of the bonded facility and expose the government to potential revenue losses.