Bangladesh Shipbreakers and Recyclers Association (BSBRA) has withdrawn its decision to close the shipyard in Sitakunda indefinitely in protest of harassment by VAT officials. From Today (Thursday), all the activities including ship cutting and scrap supply will start in all the factories again.
BSBRA Assistant Secretary Nazmul Islam said this after a meeting with the Customs, Excise and VAT Commission on Wednesday afternoon. We had some misunderstandings with the officials.
These issues were openly discussed in the meeting. At the same time, he promised to return the papers and documents seized during the operation subject to scrutiny.
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Earlier on Tuesday, a joint team of VAT Commission Customs, Excise and VAT Commission raided Premier Trade Corporation, SN Corporation, Bhatiari Steel Shipbreaking Yard and Mahinur Shipbreaking Yard in Sitakunda on charges of VAT evasion.
During the operation, documents and computers were seized and taken to the VAT office in Agrabad. VAT officials called such an operation "undesirable" and announced an indefinite shutdown of the shipwreck factory. As a result, 20,000 workers became unemployed.
