Allegation: Fugitive A.L. leaders are controlling the smuggling of goods

Smuggling of goods from Chittagong EPZ (CEPZ) and Karnaphuli EPZ (KEPZ) is still ongoing. A syndicate is involved in this work with the help of fugitive local Awami League leaders. How is smuggling done:

Duty-free clothing, shoes, and various products including machine parts are brought out under the cover of vehicles loaded with junk and broken goods.
These products are later sold in big markets and sidewalks in Dhaka-Chittagong.

Who is involved:

Awami League leader Ziaul Haque Suman, Jubo League leaders Debashis Pal Debu, Shahin Chowdhury, Shahed Chowdhury Robin and some others.
Factories involved in smuggling: JJ Mills, Premier 1888, Section Seven Apparels, MNC Apparels, Merimo, Can Park, Regency, Pacific Casual, MZM Textile.

Who is taking advantage:

EPZ police, customs officials and BEPZA security personnel regularly share money.
A certain amount of money is collected from each vehicle (e.g. police 300 taka from a fake vehicle, customs 800 taka, etc.).

Government losses and risks:

The government is losing revenue due to customs evasion.
The influence of miscreants is increasing, there is a risk of conflict at any time.

Recommendations:

Take legal action against those involved
Strengthen vehicle searches
Install weighing scales at the outgate

CEPZ authorities said that surveillance has been increased and trucks have been seized and handed over to customs. However, a large part of the syndicate is absconding abroad.