Arakan army halts trade at Teknaf land port, demands 'tax' on cross-border goods

Cross-border trade between Bangladesh and Myanmar through Teknaf Land Port has been suspended for over six weeks due to interference by Myanmar’s rebel group, the Arakan Army, which is reportedly demanding unauthorised taxes on goods being transported across the border.

According to port authorities and traders, the Arakan Army began obstructing trade operations after taking control of parts of Myanmar’s Rakhine State from the ruling military junta. Several instances have been reported where cargo vessels en route to Teknaf were intercepted mid-river on the Naf River by Arakan Army forces.

As a result, both Bangladeshi importers and Myanmar exporters have suffered heavy financial losses. Goods worth crores of taka, including cement and potatoes meant for export to Myanmar, are lying idle in warehouses at the Teknaf port. Similarly, goods bound for Bangladesh are stuck on the Myanmar side, according to local media.

Ehtershamul Haque Bahadur, General Secretary of the Teknaf C&F Agents Association, said, “We are legally conducting import and export activities and paying taxes to the Myanmar government. Why should we pay taxes to a rebel group?” He added that the situation has been reported to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), the District Commissioner, and relevant authorities.

Teknaf Land Port General Manager Jasim Uddin Chowdhury confirmed that trade has been suspended since 12 April, resulting in significant revenue losses for the government in addition to the commercial damage to traders.

UNO Sheikh Ehshan Uddin stated, “We have informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the situation. This issue requires a diplomatic resolution, and we are continuing to report all developments regarding the port.”

Port officials and traders await government intervention as the stalemate threatens to deepen the economic impact on both sides of the border.