Teknaf, Bangladesh: Revenue earning has come down significantly at Teknaf land port recently, especially from imports of fish from Burma. This is because of export of fish from Burma to foreign countries with the Bangladesh brand name, according to customs from Teknaf.

From Rangoon, some businessmen export fish to foreign countries such as Europe, Middle East, and other countries through Singapore claiming it is from Bangladesh. As a result, fish exports to Bangladesh from Burma through Teknaf Land Port are decreasing day by day along with revenue income.

Some of the fish importers from Bangladesh recently visited Rangoon and observed fish exports from Burma. The Bangladeshi businessmen found out that that export of fish abroad were being done without any systematic checking and packing by authorities under the brand name of Bangladesh. So, if there are any bad reports (like rotting fish) following export of fish from Burma in foreign countries, Bangladesh will get a bad name, said fish importers who visited Rangoon recently.

Bangladesh fish in foreign countries have a name, but after export of fish from Burma under the Bangladeshi brand name, the market for Bangladesh fish has narrowed and foreign income has dropped. This kind of business is being done by a group, a syndicate or by a broker from Bangladesh with fake documents.

Besides, polyethylene bags and other kinds of packets with monograms of the brand name of Bangladesh are being smuggled to Burma through Teknaf land port.  Some of the polyethylene bags and packets with the brand name of Bangladesh were seized from Teknaf land port recently from a ship which was returning to Rangoon after unloading goods, said a custom officer from Teknaf land port.

According to sources, polyethylene bags and packets with the Bangladesh brand name with Bangladeshi monogram are also made in Burma.

If the Bangladesh ambassador in Rangoon is requested to inquire into the matter with the cooperation of the intelligence department of Rangoon, the culprits would be exposed, said Bangladeshi fish importers.