Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed concern over the sudden decision to suspend all import and export operations through Benapole Land Port after 6:00pm without prior notice and consultation.
The decision, reportedly taken by the Benapole Customs to prevent the infiltration and smuggling of illegal goods, is likely to hamper overall trade activities, the DCCI said in a press release issued on Sunday.
Earlier on Saturday, Bangladesh Customs suspended all import and export activities at the Benapole land port after 6:00pm each day to curb the flow of smuggled and undocumented goods.
However, Md Shamsur Rahman, president of the Benapole Customs C&F Agents Association, told 抖阴精品 that the customs authority has only taken a decision on perishable goods, not on all items.
鈥楾he trade activities for all other products would remain as usual,鈥� he added.
Mentionable, on August 1, 2017, the authorities of both countries announced that the Benapole-Petrapole Integrated Check Post would operate 24 hours.
In the press release, the DCCI said that, as Benapole is the largest land port in the country and handles the majority of Bangladesh鈥檚 bilateral trade with India, this decision could have significant implications for cross-border trade and revenue generation.
According to the Bangladesh Land Port Authority, during the fiscal year 2024鈥�25, the total volume of Bangladesh鈥檚 import and export through this port was 20,11,268 tonnes and 4,21,713 tonnes, respectively.
Moreover, such an abrupt and unexpected decision is likely to cause significant financial losses for traders and reduce the port authority鈥簊 revenue.
鈥楧ue to the shortened operational hours, a large number of trucks carrying goods, particularly perishable items, are now stranded on both sides of the border, creating risks of damage and wastage,鈥� the press release added.
As a result of this decision, all concerned businesses would be adversely affected, and it may also increase lead times in international trade.
DCCI urged port authorities and law enforcement agencies to coordinate聽efforts to prevent illegal trade and smuggling.
Showing smuggling as a reason to suspend trade operations at the country鈥檚 largest land port is not acceptable, DDCI said. DCCI also said that if export-import operations remain open, infiltration of illegal goods and smuggling would be significantly reduced.聽
To restore normal business operations, the Dhaka Chamber urged the authorities concerned to withdraw the imposed restrictions at the earliest and take effective measures to ensure smooth and uninterrupted trade activities at Benapole Land Port.
