Mongla Customs Auctions 70 Luxury Cars Abandoned at Port

The Mongla Customs House has put 70 high-end vehicles up for auction after importers failed to clear them within the designated period, leaving the cars abandoned at Mongla Port.

The auction, held on Monday, allowed traders to submit bids both online and at Chattogram, Dhaka, Khulna, and Mongla Customs Houses.

Officials said around 300 vehicles exceeded their 30-day storage limit last month and were handed over for auction. Among them, 70 luxury models—including Toyota Prado and Land Cruiser—are currently up for sale.

Assistant Commissioner Mohammad Rubel Hasan said tenders will be opened on 29 January, with sale orders issued to the highest verified bidders.

In fiscal year 2023–24, Mongla Customs House held 14 auctions offering 2,200 vehicles, but only 200 were sold.

Three duty-free Land Cruisers imported by former MPs—Anupam Shahjahan Joy, Muhammad Zakaria, and Nasima Zaman Bobby—were also auctioned in November, though no sale order has yet been issued. All three former lawmakers are reportedly absconding.

Officials said the auctions aim to recover lost revenue and free up space within port facilities as abandoned vehicles continue to accumulate.