Sheikh Kazim Uddin, Benapole (Jashore) Representative: Md. Saidur Rahman Said, the proprietor of Ma Traders, has alleged fraud by keeping crores of taka dues in the commission agreement of 1 taka per kg in the frozen fish import business from Gujarat province of India through Benapole land port.
He made this allegation in a written statement at a press conference organized at the Ma Traders office room on the fourth floor of Benapole Rahman Chamber on Monday (October 20) afternoon.
Importer Saidur Rahman said that since 2022, he started the frozen fish import business with Joynal Abedin, the proprietor of 'Chittagong Fisheries AJS Trading' and Kamruzzaman Ruman, the owner of 'Rupali Banijya Sangstha' in Chittagong. He had been importing fish from Gujarat, India and transacting with the two companies as per the contract.
He said, “In order to bring success in the business, I have paid the designated C&F company Tk 26.50 to Tk 32.50 per kg for the duty on fish at different times over a period of time. In addition, I have paid Tk 6,000 for each truck for booking slots in India.” For this, I had to take loans from various places and even sell my father’s property.”
Saidur Rahman further said, “I have paid Tk 7,67,81,260 through the duty bank for about 9 million kg of fish, excluding the commission of Tk 1 per kg. Currently, I owe them Tk 1.3 crore.”
He alleged, “Currently, they are doing the same import work through other traders at Benapole Land Port instead of paying my money. When I asked for my dues, they started giving excuses.” He said at the conference that he is now almost bankrupt due to the huge amount of debt owed to his small business and the business being transferred to other hands.
Saidur Rahman also said, "I am seeking justice through journalists. If they pay my outstanding money, I have no objection to doing business wherever they want, with whomever they want. I just want my fair share."
At the press conference, he sought the attention and necessary action of local businessmen and officials of the relevant government departments of Benapole. Journalists from various local print and electronic media of Benapole were present at the time.
