Forged signature, fake seals: How a Tk3cr container was moved out of Ctg Port
But port officials could not locate the container.
The container carrying imported fabric worth about Tk3 crore for a Gazipur-based apparel factory was taken out of Chattogram Port using forged signature, fake seals and an employee credential to create a delivery record in the port's digital system, port officials and police said.
The container was then loaded onto a trailer and allowed to pass through Gate-1 on 11 August at 6:07pm, according to a case filed by a Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) transport inspector with Bandar Police Station.
Two jetty workers of C&F agent Paramount Trade International, Md Morshed Alam and Md Saidur Rahman were accused in the case and subsequently arrested.
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The case has exposed a striking gap between the port's digital records and physical controls: the container had a movement entry in the N4 system, but the signature on the document used to authorise that movement was not genuine.
CPA Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim confirmed the development, saying the committee formed to investigate the missing container identified and detained two workers of a C&F agency on Monday night.
"They were handed over to police this morning," he added.
Abdur Rahim, officer-in-charge of Bandar Police Station, confirmed that a case had been filed. He said the two C&F workers were arrested in connection with the matter.
Shihab Chowdhury Biplab, proprietor of Paramount Trade International, denied that his firm was involved in the removal or that he knew about it.
He said the two accused workers had not been assigned to handle the particular container.
"Nothing happened under my licence or to my knowledge," he said.
The container, belonging to Gold Star Garments Ltd, was found missing when SRS Syndicate C&F Ltd, the agent responsible for collecting the cargo, went to the CCT yard on 30 August , nineteen days after the removal.
The firm submitted a written complaint to the CPA chairman on 2 September, prompting the port authority to investigate.
Former CPA member Zafar Alam told The Business Standard that a container could not be released without the involvement of port employees and customs officials.
"It is not possible to release a container without the involvement of port employees and customs officials. There is no justification for diverting the investigation by detaining only workers," he said.
He urged the CPA to conduct a thorough investigation into the missing container and identify everyone involved in the incident.
