Bhutan-bound transit cargo stuck at Burimari port, awaiting for Indian approval

Transit cargo bound for Bhutan has been stalled at Burimari land port in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat, as Indian authorities have not granted permission for the shipment to pass through India.

The cargo, shipped from Thailand, is awaiting clearance for road transit to Bhutan.

Sources said the shipment, sent by Abit Trading Company Limited, Bangkok on September 8, included six types of products—fruits, juice, jelly, dried fruits, lychee-flavoured candy, and shampoo—through Bhutanese importer Abit Trading.

The containers reached Chattogram seaport on September 22.

Bangladesh and Bhutan signed a protocol agreement on March 22, 2023, and during a subsequent trade secretary-level meeting in Bhutan in April 2023, it was decided that experimental transit shipments would be sent via Bangladeshi seaports and road routes, using Indian territory, to Bhutan.

To implement this, the first container arrived at Burimari land port from Chattogram on November 28 via C&F firm NM Trading Corporation. Despite repeated attempts by Benko Limited, the C&F agent at Burimari, the container could not enter Bhutan due to lack of clearance from Changrabandha land port in India.

Faruk Hossain, proprietor of Benco Limited and a member of Burimari C&F Association, said, “The experimental Bhutan-bound transit shipment is still at Burimari. Once India grants approval, the cargo will be sent to Bhutan.”

Mahmudul Hasan, assistant director (Traffic) of Burimari Port, confirmed the container has been in the port yard since Saturday.

Assistant Commissioner of Burimari Customs, Delwar Hossain, added, “Customs procedures for the Bhutan shipment have been completed on our side. We can send the cargo once Indian customs approve the transit.”