Md. Mizanur Rahman, Chapainawabganj: Sonam Masjid is the second largest land port in Bangladesh. Hundreds of trucks of various goods, including stones, are imported and exported through this port located in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj district every day. The port is also of immense importance in terms of revenue. Every year, the government collects about 1,200 crore taka in revenue from this port. However, there have been allegations that a smuggling syndicate has recently been formed on both sides of the border—at Sonamasjid in Bangladesh and the Mohdipur land port in India. This syndicate has adopted the strategy of introducing illegal goods into trucks carrying legal goods. In particular, cases of smuggling mobile phones, phensedyl and other narcotics are increasing in connivance with Indian drivers.
Legal business affected Mr. Arif Uddin Iti, Secretary of the Sonamasjid Import Exporter Group, said that a negative image is being created around the entire port due to illegal goods entering through legal channels. Genuine traders are being harassed in various ways. Even many importers are facing financial losses. According to them, the Sonamajjid land port, which has earned a good reputation for a long time, is now at risk of losing its reputation.
Illegal smuggling in the port is not only harming traders; it is also having a terrible impact on the country`s economy and society. Experts believe that if revenue is disrupted, there will be pressure on the national economy. On the other hand, the entry of drugs is creating serious risks for the young community.
Businessmen and locals have complained that sufficient initiatives have not been taken to prevent the violence of illegal syndicates. They demand that the BGB, customs and law enforcement agencies should play a more effective role. If smugglers are not identified and suppressed immediately, there is a fear that the Sonamasjid land port will gradually become a center for illegal goods instead of legal trade.
As one of the largest land ports in the country, the importance of Sonamasjid is gradually increasing. The livelihood of thousands of people depends on this port. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to ensure the proper management of the port by suppressing smugglers. The business community has only one expectation - "Let legal business be protected, and let revenue income continue to be continuous."