Ctg Custom House to secure access with digital cards

To enhance security against unauthorised intrusion, the Chattogram Custom House is installing digital security devices on four entrances, accessible exclusively via access cards.

The Custom House's vulnerability to unauthorised access was spotlighted when two youths were apprehended attempting to hack its software in February this year.

As a response, "Proximity Card System Gates" will be installed at four entrances of the Custom House building in November at a cost of Tk20 lakh.

The Chittagong Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association is funding the security system.

In a notification on 17 October, the Chattogram Custom House asked all stakeholders, including C&F agents and shipping agents, to apply for their proximity cards by 31 October.

After 15 November, the Custom House will be inaccessible without proximity cards, it further said.

Md Bodruzzaman Munshi, deputy commissioner of Chattogram Custom House, said the initiative is aimed at preventing ID-password fraud and server hacking attempts and thereby ensuring a secure work environment.

He mentioned, though, that access without an ID card will still be possible with a Customs Visitor Pass.

"As the customs house does not have the fund, the C&F association is paying for the system as part of its corporate social responsibility," he further said.

Customs officials said once the digital gates are installed, customs integrity will be maintained, barring unauthorised access. This will enhance the efficiency and comfort of customs officials and foster a better work environment.

Chittagong C&F Agents Association First Joint-General Secretary Md Golam Rabbani told The Business Standard that access control gates will be installed at four places on the ground floor entrance of the custom house.

"There is a plan to provide proximity cards to about 6,000 people, including officials and employees of the customs station, C&F agent owners and officials, importers and various institutions and organisations," he mentioned.

Funding raise questions

The Chattogram Custom House collects revenue of over Tk60,000 crore annually. Every day, about 7,000 bills of entry and bills of export are filed at the customs station.

However, the organisation's not being able to afford Tk20 lakh for the security system has raised eyebrows among experts.

They pointed to several unscrupulous incidents involving C&F agents, including bribing officials for tax evasion.

Advocate Akhtar Kabir Chowdhury, president of the Concerned Citizens Committee, told TBS that accepting donations from C&F agents is akin to promoting corruption.

"This incident has weakened the customs authority and may embolden fraudsters. Failing to secure a mere Tk20 lakh is a significant lapse on the part of the customs authorities," he observed.

Faizur Rahman, commissioner at Chattogram Custom House, declined to comment on why the country's largest customs station is unable to pay for its security system.