Chief Justice Sinha says border smuggling is crippling Bangladesh's economy

Chief Justice S K Sinha has cautioned about the threat to Bangladesh's economy posed by smuggling along the border.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 8 Jan 2016, 05:07 PM
Updated : 8 Jan 2016, 05:16 PM

He made the observation at a programme held by Brahmanbarhia District Association at the auditorium of Krishibid Institution, Bangladesh on Friday.

Highlighting the problem of smuggling in this bordering district, the chief justice said, “It is a frontal area for the smuggling of saris. A good quality Indian sari can be purchased in Brahmanbarhia at a lower price than in India. I personally know this.”

“As a chief justice I know the ins and outs of every region. Based on those data, I say smuggling is eroding our economy.”

He urged everyone to come forward to prevent smuggling. “Gold and dollars are smuggled out while phensedyl and saris are smuggled in. This is hurting our economy. It’s high time we stopped this.”

Drawing attention to the incidents of inter-village feuds in Brahmanbarhia, he stressed the need for the local MPs to come forward to prevent them.

At the same time, he also highlighted the role of Brahmanbarhia’s illustrious people in the development of education and culture, as well as in Language and Liberation movements.

Discovery of gas expedited economic growth of Brahmanbarhia, he said, terming the district “a model and a dynamic region.”

‘Judiciary completely independent’

He said Bangladesh had “paid a heavy price” in the past for the culture of impunity.

“Crime has no caste and creed. Once there was a culture of impunity in this country for which it paid a heavy price.”

“Today the judiciary is fully independent. We have able to set an example.”

“We have to ensure offences don’t go unpunished. We have to strengthen the rule of law by discarding the culture of impunity,” he added.