Chattogram, Jan 09, (V7N) - A total of 42 luxury vehicles, imported under duty-free privileges by former Awami League MPs, have been held at Chattogram Port for the past five months, creating a significant issue for the National Board of Revenue (NBR). These vehicles, which have been parked at the port’s car shed since September 14 last year, will now be auctioned as the MPs failed to clear them after the fall of the Awami League government.

The NBR’s decision to auction these vehicles is expected to generate at least Tk 400 crore in additional government revenue.

Unclaimed Vehicles and Customs Duties:
According to port sources, the importers were supposed to clear the vehicles by October 14, but they failed to do so. As a result, 24 of the vehicles’ paperwork was transferred to the Chattogram Custom House for auction. The customs authorities have requested the importers to pay Tk 8.5 crore in customs duties for these 24 vehicles.

However, traders are concerned that the high customs duties could discourage potential buyers.

Legal Complications and Market Concerns:
The vehicles, which were imported using duty-free privileges by former MPs, have remained unclaimed since the MPs fled following the student-led movement that toppled the government. Customs officials have confirmed that the vehicles will either be cleared by the importers after paying customs duties or be auctioned off.

The import price of each vehicle, mostly from Japan, is estimated between Tk 1 crore and Tk 1.5 crore. With the added customs duties, the market value of each vehicle is expected to rise to between Tk 12 crore and Tk 15 crore, raising concerns among vehicle traders about the marketability of these vehicles.

Concerns from Stakeholders:
Omar Faruk, Secretary of the Chattagong Port Authority, emphasized the importance of clearing the vehicles, either by auction or through importer clearance, to free up space at the port. However, some stakeholders have raised concerns about potential legal complications if the vehicles are handed back to the importers without following the auction process.

Ferdous Ahmed, President of the Chattogram Custom House Bidders' Association, stated, "If this decision is made in the interest of the NBR, we have no objections. However, the vehicles should be auctioned according to standard procedures."

Md Gias Uddin Chowdhury, Vice-President of the Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA), urged swift action: "The customs house should urgently issue letters to the importers and arrange an auction."

Notable Vehicles Cleared:
Among the 42 luxury vehicles, seven, including those belonging to cricketer Shakib Al Hasan and Syed Sayedul Haque Suman, were cleared in July last year. The remaining vehicles, including those linked to actress Tarana Halim and Jannat Ara Henry, are still stuck at the port.

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