A study on the Chittagong Customs House was released in June 2008 in Chittagong. The study, as a follow up on ChittagongPort, made an attempt to diagnose the problems that exist in the Custom House. After the release, a number of fundamental reforms and changes have been made that include introduction of automation of its operational activities, reduction in the transaction of bribe, and other irregularities. The Government cancelled the license of a PSI Company Cotecna due to its involvement in huge irregularities. Besides, for the first time in five fiscal years Chittagong Custom House had exceeded revenue target and was able to recover huge sums of outstanding payments. TIB put forward a number of recommendations, which included complete automation of the Customs House. TIB also recommended early filling up of vacant posts and capacity building through training and skill development programs; installation of a modern laboratory; amendment and updating of SRO regulations and Customs Act, 1969; making the process of granting bond license transparent and preventing its misuse; improving coordination between the customs and the port authority; and automation of the port activities.
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