A five-member team of the anti-graft watchdog arrived in the port city yesterday morning and visited different sections of the Customs House and Chittagong Port Authority (CPA).

Led by ACC Commissioner Moniruddin Ahmad, the team spoke to top officials to know first-hand about the state of corruption in these two key components of the state machinery.

"The action against corruption and irregularities in customs and port is launched from today and it would continue till we bring order," Moniruddin told reporters, adding, "Customs House requires special attention in this regard and there is no scope to neglect this."

Explaining the ACC's objectives of the inspection, he said the commission will work in three phases.

"Firstly, it would gather information on different kinds of corruption; secondly, an inquiry team will come to collect specific data and information, and thirdly, the investigation team will bring proceedings against those [the officials] found guilty."

Talking to the journalists, he said if necessary a mobile team will be drafted into the port and customs to help them detect irregularities and corruption.

"Bangladesh has been ranked the most corrupt country in the world for four consecutive years and the ACC will strive to free the country of the stigma," Moniruddin observed.

He said changes, if required, should be brought about in the customs and port for the betterment of the country.

"If proper measures are taken to contain irregularities, I believe the customs has the scope to increase its efficiency up to 50 percent from its current position," said the ACC commissioner.

He, however, said there is still scope to enhance the efficiency of the customs department.

During the inspection, Moniruddin expressed his disgust at too many irregularities at Chittagong Customs. Seeing the crowded appraisement room, he questioned the customs officials' unauthorised presence in the room. He also saw some years old files lying on tables, yet to be disposed of.

The team in the afternoon visited Chittagong Port. They held meeting with the port officials who dismissed the report of Transparency International, Bangladesh (TIB).

The ACC has plans to set up two permanent offices at Chittagong customs and Benapole land port with a view to combat corruption.

The other members of the team include Joint Commissioner of Customs Moinul Hossain Khan, Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax Abdur Raquib, and Inspector of Customs Akhtar Hamid Bhuiyan.