Immigration charging people to India extra

Abul Kashem, teacher of Satkhira Sadar School, said: “Every time when I entered into India through Bhomra land port I had to pay Tk150 extra.” One Mosharaf Hossain, hailed from Kalaroa upazila in the district, alleged that he had to pay Tk200 extra while entered India using Bhomra land port. He also paid Tk200 while he returned. During his visit to the area this correspondent has found that people who want to enter India are waiting in a line with Tk100 in their hands. When asked they said that they will pay this money to imigration officials. They also said that paying extra money to official is a rule and officials have been practicing this for long. They alleged that if they do not pay extra money then officials will harass them in the name checking papers or luggage. When contacted, Monirul Islam, revenue officer of Bhomra land port, said: “There is no rule of charging extra money from India-bound people instead visiting taxes and it is totally illegal.” He also suggested this correspondent to conduct with Custom Inspector Moslem Uddin, who is the in charge of the department. Customs Inspector Moslem Uddin said: “I do not sit at my office regularly so I cannot say who take extra money from India-bound people.” Later, he alleged that constables may be involved with these misdeeds.