The National Board of Revenue is investigating an alleged UNHCR irregularity as the UN body imported about 50 vehicles without the permission from the foreign ministry.
In June last year the UN body applied to the foreign ministry to import 57 duty-free vehicles which was turned down by the ministry.
It is mentionable that all diplomatic immunities are granted by the foreign ministry.
However, the car was released from the Chittagong Port and used by the organization in Bangladesh.
The puzzled foreign ministry, however, sent a letter to the National Board of Revenue how the vehicles were released from the port without its approval.
“It is evident from the letter that the UNHCR did not take permission from the foreign ministry while importing the vehicles,” said a NBR official.
We have already instructed Customs Intelligence and Chittagong Customs to investigate the matter and submit their reports, he said.
When sent an email to UNHCR asking about the issue on Jan 21, it gave about 800 words reply on the same day.
In its reply sent by UNHCR spokesperson Joseph Tripura explained that they wanted to import the vehicles for Rohingya crisis.
In the written reply to Bangla Tribune, it said, “In June 2018, UNHCR applied to MoFA for the deployment of 57 vehicles to be used by our government counterparts such as RRRC, DC Office, Fire Service, Police in Cox’s Bazar and by UNHCR and partners.
“However, in August 2018, we were informed by MoFA that yellow plates cannot be used by government entities or by any other UNHCR partner, and thus the permission for bringing in the vehicles will not be issued.”
According to the arrangement between the Bangladesh government and UN agencies, foreign ministry clearance is a must before importing any vehicle by any diplomatic entity.
Joseph Tripura said, “We were respectful to MoFA’s concern and immediately took initiatives for cancelling the order to deploy and not placing any new vehicles. But unfortunately the vehicles were already sailed in sea and 46 out of 57 had reached Bangladesh by that time.”
The written reply also said, “The government had kindly taken necessary action for custom clearance of the 46 vehicles.”
On the whereabouts of the vehicles, he said, “The vehicles are currently in use by UNHCR and our partners including the government entities with whom UNHCR has a proper Project Partnership Agreement.”
It also said, “Vehicles are under ‘Applied For Registration (AFR)’ plates as we are waiting for the government’s approval.”
It is mentionable here that according to convention, diplomatic entity enjoys duty-free car but it must be approved by the foreign ministry. The yellow number plate – be it a number or ‘applied for registration’ – is also provided by the foreign ministry, not by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority.
After receiving the reply, bangla tribune again on Jan 23 sent another email clarifying certain aspects like which government organistaion gave them customs clearance, which government entity authorised them to use the vehicles, to which institution they ‘applied for registration’ and if any government entity asked them to pay duty against importing the vehicles.
After repeated reminders, on Jan 28, Joseph wrote to bangle tribune, “As I said I will reply you when I am available. Since you are also running on your schedule, please go ahead with whatever information I have already provided you in my earlier email.”
After June 28, Joseph sent at least five emails to journalists but didn’t have time to clarify the position of the UNHCR on vehicle import.
When contacted with the foreign ministry, they declined to make any comment.