Protesters alleged that customs officials are harassing employees by withholding identity cards without valid reasons, creating unnecessary complications after file submissions, and introducing arbitrary rules. In particular, protesters accused Customs Superintendent Mizanur Rahman of arbitrariness, indecent behavior, and creating unreasonable obstacles in cargo clearance. The agitating employees have announced that the work stoppage will continue until this harassment is halted and action is taken against the official concerned.

Meanwhile, customs authorities claimed that allegations of withholding files or arbitrarily harassing individuals are baseless. Although the protesters were invited for discussions, they did not respond.

Meanwhile, an emergency meeting held yesterday failed to yield any resolution. Import-Export Group General Secretary Ariful Islam Iti stated that another meeting is scheduled to take place today, Thursday, at the office of the Import-Export Group to resolve the crisis. Stakeholders fear that if this meeting fails to produce a resolution, a more prolonged deadlock in the port's cargo transportation activities will ensue.