Chapainababganj, Feb 12 (BDNEWS)– Revenue collection at Sonamasjid land port failed to reach the target in the first seven months of the fiscal 2004-'05 due to import impediments at the port.
The government collected Tk 6,794.13 million during the first seven months, which is less by Tk 4,255.86 million than the targeted amount of Tk 10,095 million for the current fiscal.
The port revenue collection is also less by Tk 2,929.73 million than the amount collected in the previous year.
The main revenue-earning item of the port was the imported fruits. However, harassment by various government bodies, lack of coordination among sections of customs department and the provision of cent per cent tariff created the revenue gap, sources said.
C&F agents said importers conducted business through Hilly and Vomra land ports, as that was more convenient to them. Most of the importers opt for other land ports for financial and other technical reasons.
Importers could be encouraged, they opined, to import though this port if the revenue collection is as per the NBR (National Board of revenue) rules.
Sonamasjid land port experienced heavy rush of fruit-trucks in previous periods. Now a very small number of trucks cross the port.
C&F agents said NBR requires investigation into the matter since Sonamashjid port has a moderate transport and communication facility compared to other land ports.
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