Arrested on July 29, the three officials, Shawkat Hossain, Sayeed Ali and Mofazzal Haq, were released from jail after the Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Dhaka granted them bail.

The situation at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and all customs and VAT commissionerates across the country is yet to become normal.

Shawkat Hossain, deputy commissioner of customs at the NBR, Sayeed Ali and Mofazzal Haq, superintendents at the Customs House, Dhaka were arrested on Tuesday following a corruption case for 'embezzling' about Tk 95 lakh was filed by the Bureau of Anti-Corruption (BAC).

Officials brought out a procession from the Customs House, Dhaka demanding stern action against the BAC officials who brought the corruption charges and filed the case against the customs officials.

A tense situation also prevailed in the Customs House, Chittagong.

However, essential services like clearing imported goods and preparing import documents were not hampered, sources said.

Bangladesh Customs Association (BCS) held another meeting yesterday at the conference room of the NBR and discussed the latest development.

The association leaders declared that a fresh programme would be announced tomorrow seeking an end to the 'arrest and harassment' of tax officials.

The association formed a five-member committee, headed by Manzur Mannan, member, NBR, to discuss the issue with the higher authorities.

The association leaders yesterday met with Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Kamal Siddiqui and apprised him of the 'harassment' of customs officers.