The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into the disappearance of two containers from Chattogram Port, which included fabric worth around Tk 1.5 crore purchased through auction.

On Sunday (September 28), an ACC team met with the port chairman, customs house commissioner, and other concerned officials regarding the incident.

According to sources, in February, Selim Reza, owner of Shah Amanat Trading, purchased approximately 27 tons of fabric for Tk 85 lakh through an auction held by the Chattogram Customs House. Before bidding, he inspected the goods stored in containers at the port yard.

After winning the bid, he paid Tk 1.07 crore including price, duty, and port charges to receive the delivery. However, when he arrived with trucks at the port yard on February 26, the container could not be located despite an all-day search.

Following the incident, he submitted three letters to the Customs House Commissioner. His company’s funds have been stuck for seven months.

In another similar case, Tapan Singh, a partner of bidder Yakub Chowdhury, also failed to locate a container of fabric he won in a separate auction. He initially bid Tk 35.51 lakh and later paid Tk 42 lakh to customs.

When contacted, ACC Assistant Commissioner Syed Imran said:
“We received complaints that two bidders purchased goods through auction at the Customs House. They inspected the containers at the yard before bidding. After paying all charges and coming for delivery, they were told the containers were missing. They have since submitted applications to the port and customs but have not received the goods or a refund. We are investigating the matter.”

He added that they met with the port chairman, who referred them to Major Anis, the concerned officer, but he was unavailable. Later, they met with the Customs House Commissioner, who directed them to speak with auction branch officials.

“This is not a routine issue; we are treating it seriously,” Imran said. “The port authority has already formed an investigation committee, headed by the Director (Security).”