Import-export halted at Benapole Land Port today

Import and export operations between India and Bangladesh through the Benapole land port were suspended today (Tuesday) due to a government-declared holiday marking the anniversary of the July Mass Uprising.

As a result, hundreds of trucks carrying goods remain stranded at the port areas on both sides of the border. Md. Shamim Hossain, Director of Benapole Land Port, confirmed the suspension of all trade activities but assured that passenger crossings continue as usual through the Benapole checkpoint.

Md. Mujibur Rahman, President of the Benapole C&F Agent Staff Association, said the closure of import-export trade through Benapole and Petrapole ports has caused significant delays. “Many of the stranded trucks are carrying raw materials essential to Bangladesh’s garment industry,” he added.

Deputy Director of Benapole Land Port, Mamun Kabir Tarafdar, explained that the government holiday has been declared in observance of the July 5 Mass Uprising Day. He noted that while import-export operations are on hold, Indian trucks carrying no cargo are permitted to return to their country.

Tarafdar further emphasized that despite the halt in trade, passenger movement between Bangladesh and India via the Benapole checkpoint remains uninterrupted.