A customs official, who received death threats from members of a smuggling syndicate, lodged a general diary (GD) with local police station seeking security.
Deputy Commissioner of Benapole Customs House, Md Abdul Quaiyum lodged the GD with Benapole Port Police Station on Sunday night.
Mohamamd Azizur Rahman, Commissioner of Benapole Customs, said “The passengers did not face any trouble but allegations were found from those who brought smuggled goods dodging tax as they failed to bring their goods due to a strict monitoring system.
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Benapole is a safe route for smugglers as they illegally bring goods worth Tk several lakh in luggage and hence they are called “luggage party.”
After taking charge joint Commissioner Abdur Rashid seized smuggled goods worth over Tk one crore and realized Tk 20 lakh as revenue tax, which made the smugglers angry, he said.
Quaiyum said Indian smugglers come with business visa and sold their goods in Benapole before returning home.
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The syndicate also carried out attacks on some customs officials who seized their goods, causing immense sufferings to the travellers who use the route.