Indian Goods Import Suspended at Benapole Land Port

On Wednesday (July 1) morning, trading organizations at Benapole land port stopped importing Indian products protesting the Indian side's rejection of Bangladeshi export items.

As a result, the export-import operations have since fallen to a standstill, causing hundreds of goods laden trucks to wait on both sides of the port.

Amid the global coronavirus crisis, export-import activities had been suspended at the land port for about three months.

Although Indian imports of goods resumed at Benapol on 7 June, the export of Bangladeshi goods remained suspended. The Indian Government and traders have not allowed Bangladeshi goods to enter the country.

Protesting against the incident, clearing and forwarding agent employees at the port declared not to import goods from the neighboring country in a tit-for-tat move.

Mofizur Rahman Sajan, president of Benapole C&F Agents Association, said the export traders took the decision protesting refusal of their products at the Indian side.

“No Indian goods entered the country through the court since 9 am,” he added.

Shamimur Rahman, assistant revenue officer at Benapole Customs, also confirmed the matter, saying import trades remained suspended since morning.

Contacted, General Secretary of Petrapole C&F Agents Welfare Association said that Bangladeshi goods are not allowed to enter the country due to the risk of coronavirus infection.

"It is up to Bangladeshi traders whether or not they will import Indian products," he said, taking a strong stance on their position.

Mamun Kabir Tarafdar, director of Benapole port, said around 500 trucks await at the port for entering India with export items.

Source: UNB