Customs officials destroyed illegal and expired goods worth nearly Tk 33 lakh in Ishwardi, Pabna, on Saturday. The items, previously confiscated for smuggling and tax evasion, were disposed of at the Fateh Mohammadpur landfill in the municipal area.
The destroyed inventory included 2,449 pieces and 2,060 meters of clothing—such as synthetic fabrics, sarees, and three-pieces—along with over 5.3 lakh cigarette and bidi sticks, and 159 kg of expired food items like powdered milk and poppy seeds. Bags, sandals, and eyeglass lenses were also among the disposed items.
According to a press release from the Pabna Customs, Excise, and VAT Department, the goods were spread across 29 general registers (GR) at the Ishwardi Customs Warehouse. Their estimated market value was Tk 32,92,565.
The destruction was carried out under the directives of the National Board of Revenue (NBR). Officials noted that the items were permanently confiscated in favor of the state because they were either smuggled, tied to revenue evasion, or deemed expired and harmful to public health.
A joint task force oversaw the disposal to ensure transparency. Key officials in attendance included Pabna Customs Assistant Commissioner Manish Agarwal, Pabna Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam, and Superintendent of Police Md. Sufi Ullah. Representatives from the Border Guard Bangladesh (59 BGB Mahananda Battalion), the Department of Environment, the Fire Service, and local media were also present.
