Export-import through Benapole remains suspended

Export and import activities between Bangladesh and India through the Benapole land port remained suspended since Tuesday morning as Border Security Force (BSF) did not allow C&F agents to enter India.

As a result, thousands of goods-laden trucks remanded stranded on both sides of the port.  

Kartik Chandra, general secretary of C&F Agent Staff Welfare of Petrapole Land Port, said export and import activities remained suspended after BSF obstructed C&F agents when they were entering Petrapole with documents.

Mafizur Rahman, president of C&F Association of Benapole Land Port, said the reason behind the BSF move was unclear.

But the movement of passengers between the two countries and others activities of the port remained uninterrupted, he added.

Uttam Chakma, assistant commissioner of the Customs House, said it is initially assumed that the reason could be American President Donald Trump's India visit, for which security along the border has been tightened.