Export-import through Benapole suspended for 2nd day

Export-import activities between Bangladesh and India through Benapole land port remains suspended for the second consecutive day.

No goods laden trucks of either country crossed the border until this afternoon since the suspension that began yesterday, our Benapole correspondent reports, quoting officials concerned. 

Export-import came to a halt when India's Border Security Force (BSF) hindered clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents of both countries to cross the border to submit documents yesterday, said Shree Kartik Chandra, general secretary of Petrapole Port C&F Welfare Association.  

Mafizur Rahman Swapan, president of Benapole C&F Association, echoed him.

However, they do not know the reason why the agents were held back from crossing the border, he added.

Passenger movement through the check post and other activities at Benapole land port remain as usual, he said.

Efforts are on to restore the export-import situation as soon as possible, said Uttam Chakma, assistant commissioner of Benapole Customs House.

They assumed that BSF members are obstructing the movement of C&F agents as part of their stern security measures along the border for the ongoing visit of US President Donald Trump, the customs official added.