Tk 480m loss as import, export through Benapole port remain suspended

The import and export activities through Benapole Land Port remained halted for four days since Thursday following an indefinite strike enforced by Indian traders at Petrapole, causing a loss of Tk 480 million (48 crore) in revenue collections.

Due to the strike, 10,000 goods-laden trucks got stranded at Petrapole Port to enter Benapole port.

General Secretary of Petropole C&F Agents Staff Welfare Association of India Kartrik Chakrabarty said they went on the strike on January 25 protesting customs' unnecessary delay in filling up forms of goods with the photographs of drivers and helpers for exporting goods, according to a UNB report.

Benapole port director Aminul Islam said export-import through the port remained halted for last four days. But loading and unloading of goods at the port was also normal.

"Though it is the internal problem of India's customs and users of Petrapole port, we are trying to resume trade through consultation with both conflicting sides" Aminul added.