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Mongla seaport and Burimari land port have not only become 'dens' of corruption but also keep an eco-system alive for bribery. This is the impression one gets from the findings of research done by the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Mongla seaport and Burimari land port between July, 2017 and September, 2018.
Remember, automation facility and one-stop service are available at the ports in keeping with digitalisation policy for speedy, transparent and largely corruption-free service deliveries. But they remain on paper, getting rusty through absence of application because it rules out nexus for money-making. So you see manual movement of files along self-created hierarchy of steps taking over automation and so-called one-stop service. Obviously, a tradition dies harder if it mints money at every step of the way for a wide variety of collusive extortionists. First, 'documents for imported products and exported items have been scrutinised in 18 and 12 stages respectively', with the files moving from one table to another by hand. The nexus embraces a wide range of stakeholders some of whom are supposed to be supervising the work of their subordinates: "From employees to officers of port and custom and even transport workers' union are found engaged in such evil practices", the TIB report added.
Time is of the essence in export and import business. Extremely crucial is speedy service delivery because delay not only means harassment but also footing high demurrage bills. In the process, cost of business increases, and at the end of the day, consumers have to take the brunt.
Productivity, import and export are closely linked to an efficient functioning of the ports. Thus clearing and forwarding activities; container loading, protection and unloading; and inward and outward transshipment are the stuff of which port handling is made. This is measured on a competitive scale with other ports, and rated accordingly which is an important denominator to be mindful about.
Overall, it is important to note that the TIB has not merely diagnosed ailment but put forward an eight-point recommendation for a turnaround. These include ensuring effective one-stop service in terms of product taxation, clearance of merchandise and the ships' arrival and departure formalities. Simultaneously, automation must be applied at all stages of port operations.
Corruption also thrives on infrastructural inadequacies which may not have been addressed by retaining a scope for graft. For instance, the customs office for Mongla is 53 kilometres away from the port area obviously spawning corruption. In all, application of technology must be accorded top priority not merely on paper but at all operational levels.
In the end, the staff shortages need to be met on an urgent basis; there is a huge crack in the system when you take into account 34 vacancies at the customs office in Burimari land port. As for Mongla port , the picture is bleaker: Of the approved posts for the customs wing 40 per cent remains unfilled. What is more inexplicable is the acute dearth of staff in the port itself. The port authority has 59 per cent of its sanctioned strength lying vacant.
The TIB has a point when it says that manpower deficit means pressure on the offices which in turn makes them vulnerable to corruption. So, the ministry concerned has its job cut out.