The Government Clueless About Hundreds of Illegal Courier Services in Bangladesh

The government remains unaware of the numerous unlicensed courier services operating illegally across Bangladesh, raising concerns about the nature of their activities.

Unearthing the Underworld of Illegal Courier Services

The underbelly of Bangladesh's courier industry is shrouded in mystery, with over 500 unlicensed organizations clandestinely conducting their operations without any oversight. These shadowy entities, lurking in the shadows, handle a variety of goods ranging from innocent documents to potentially illicit items. The lack of regulation and supervision has allowed these rogue courier services to flourish unchecked, posing a significant threat to the integrity of the industry.

The Tip of the Iceberg

A staggering 86 organizations have been identified as operating without the necessary licenses, evading the watchful eyes of the authorities. The Courier Services Association of Bangladesh sheds light on the alarming statistics, revealing that only 88 out of 174 organizations are operating with valid licenses. The remaining 86 entities continue to operate on the fringes, exploiting regulatory loopholes to avoid detection. These unlicensed organizations, with names like Oishee Courier International and RM Courier Service, are a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. Their clandestine operations threaten the very fabric of the legitimate courier industry in Bangladesh.

A Call to Action

Hafizur Rahman Palak, the president of the Courier Services Association of Bangladesh, has sounded the alarm bells, calling on the government to crack down on these unlicensed entities. Palak questions the inaction of the authorities in holding these rogue operators accountable and urges swift enforcement of licensing regulations. In a bold move, Palak condemns the archaic provision that mandates courier service owners to pay compensation for lost documents or parcels. He denounces this as a draconian measure that stifles innovation and hampers the growth of the industry.

The Cost of Compliance

Navigating the bureaucratic maze of licensing procedures is no easy feat for legitimate courier service owners. The exorbitant fees, including a hefty Tk 3 lakh bank guarantee and additional charges for renewal, act as barriers to entry for many entrepreneurs. In stark contrast, the unlicensed operators enjoy a free pass, evading financial obligations and regulatory scrutiny. Santosh Kumar Kundu of Prime International recounts his struggle to operate within the confines of the law, only to face harassment and bureaucratic red tape. The disparity between licensed and unlicensed operators is glaring, with the former bearing the brunt of regulatory burden while the latter operate with impunity.

A Regulatory Quagmire

Dr. M Mahiuddin, Chairman of the Mailing Operator and Courier Service Licensing Authority, acknowledges the challenges posed by the proliferation of unlicensed courier services. The authority is working tirelessly to gather data and address the regulatory gaps that have allowed these rogue operators to thrive. Despite the hurdles faced by legitimate courier service owners, Dr. Mahiuddin reassures them of a streamlined licensing process and dismisses claims of exorbitant fees. The authority remains committed to upholding the integrity of the courier industry and ensuring a level playing field for all operators. In a landscape marred by deception and regulatory evasion, the battle for transparency and accountability in the courier industry rages on. As the government grapples with the specter of illegal courier services, stakeholders must unite to safeguard the industry's future and preserve its credibility. The time for action is now.

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Arman Alif

Hi, Ali Rahman in the house! From Chittagong, Bangladesh, I've been on a wild ride from Banskhali Bangabandhu High School to Govt. Alaol College and beyond, landing me at National University. Now, I'm here to dish out the lowdown on national issues and global news. Stick around for a fresh take on what's shaking up our world! Connect With Me