Transhipment truck finally leaves for Bhutan through Burimari

After four days of complications and delays, a shipment of goods from Thailand has finally departed for Bhutan through the Burimari land port in Lalmonirhat under the Bangladesh-India-Bhutan trilateral transit arrangement.

The move has brought relief to traders and stakeholders at the land port.

At around 5:30 pm on Monday, the container—brought by sea to Chattogram Port from Thailand—was placed at the zero line after being transported to the Burimari land port.

After verifying the required documents, the container was loaded onto a cargo truck under the supervision of Benko Limited and sent toward the Changrabandha land port in Cooch Behar district, West Bengal, India.

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Bhutan cargo stuck at Burimari over India’s clearance delay

According to Burimari Customs and the C&F Agents Association, although the container arrived in Burimari on November 28, Bangladesh customs could not release the shipment without India's approval.

Firstly, due to public holidays in both India and Bhutan, it took time to send and process the necessary documents.

Secondly, the Burimari route was not mentioned in the secretary-level trilateral trade agreement, causing administrative scrutiny and delays.

On Monday afternoon, Kolkata customs in India sent the approval documents for the transhipment to Changrabandha customs.

After Changrabandha customs officially informed Bangladesh customs, the container was promptly sent across the zero line.

Faruk Hossain, president of the Burimari C&F Agents Association and owner of Benko Limited, said, "It took time to obtain the approval due to holidays in India and Bhutan, and because the Burimari route was not included in the trade agreement."

"After completing all procedures, Indian customs issued the clearance. With transhipment through the Burimari route resuming after a long gap, we are hopeful," he said.

He added that the container will remain in the custody of India's Changrabandha Customs for now. On Tuesday, it will head toward Phuentsholing, Bhutan, via the designated Indian transit route.

According to him, regular use of this route would further increase import-export activities at Burimari land port and boost the local economy.

Delwar Hossain, assistant commissioner (AC) of Burimari Land Customs Station, said, "After receiving India's approval, the Thai shipment has been sent to the Changrabandha land port. From there, it will reach Bhutan using the Indian road transit corridor."

He further noted that once the trilateral transit agreement is fully implemented, movement of goods through this route will become easier and contribute to strengthening Bangladesh's regional connectivity.