Traders question ‘realism, security’ of Teknaf Land Port reopening

State Minister for Shipping Md Razib Ahsan has announced plans to reopen Cox's Bazar's Teknaf Land Port after it was closed for nearly a year due to the civil conflict in Myanmar.

Despite the government’s move, doubts linger among businessmen and stakeholders over security, waterways, and the real prospects for cross-border trade.

After visiting the Teknaf Land Port on Monday afternoon, the state minister said: "In light of the demands of the people and after discussions with all concerned parties, a decision has been taken to reactivate the port's operations."

He added that operations will be carried out with tight security coordination among the port authority, Customs, Coast Guard, BGB, and other law-enforcement agencies.

Razib noted that strict measures will be enforced to prevent Rohingya involvement.

Despite the minister’s assurances, businessmen who attended the meeting say the reality of the situation is not that simple.

Abed Ahsan Sagar, former director of the Cox's Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: "We feel that the main factor behind the port's suspension of operations was the objections of security-related agencies, especially the negative stance of the BGB and Coast Guard."

According to him, the agencies are concerned about security. In addition, there are risks of increased smuggling through the port, possible misuse of certain products (such as cement and rods) and other risks at the border.

Sagar said there was also discussion on a proposal to set up security posts inside the port, but traders opposed it because the port has its own legal framework.

Proposal to Install Scanners

One important proposal raised in the meeting was the installation of scanners for product monitoring.

Sagar said, "The minister said scanners will be installed at the port. This will allow verification through scanning during the movement of goods. The BGB can conduct searches at the gate or check post if they want."

Teknaf Land Port General Manager Jasim Uddin said cross-border trade has not resumed yet.

“The port was open. We are still ready. When the goods arrive, activities will resume. Then we can understand the situation.”

The Arakan Army and Waterways

Since December 2024, the Arakan Army has taken control over a section of the Naf River by occupying a large area of Myanmar’s Rakhine State. There are allegations that the insurgent group has intercepted cargo trawlers and demanded extortion money.

Traders caution that merely announcing the port’s reopening will not solve these issues.

"While navigating the current waterway, we often pass through Myanmar’s waters and face extortion. If dredging is done at Naikshangdia in the Naf River, an alternative route could reduce these risks," said one trader.

Without dredging, there is a risk the port could again fall idle within days.

$9mn in Goods Stuck at Border

Businessmen claim that a huge amount of money from Bangladeshi traders is currently stuck with their counterparts in Myanmar.

Sagar said, “About $9 million is stuck in the form of drafts. This money can only be reconciled once the goods arrive.”

Some Optimism among Businessmen

Some other businessmen are more optimistic about the situation. Former president of the Cox’s Bazar Chamber of Commerce Abu Morshed Chowdhury sees the decision to open Khoka Port as “positive”.

He said, “This is definitely good for traders. Daily commodities including onions, ginger, garlic can come in at a lower cost. Revenue will also increase.”

He, however, clarified: “We do not understand the Arakan Army, we understand the businessmen on the other side. How they will send their goods is their responsibility.”

Security Forces on Alert

Teknaf-2 BGB Battalion Commander Lt Col Muhammad Hanifur Rahman Bhuiyan said, "We are limited to the instructions given by the minister. The security issue has been discussed, and necessary measures are being taken."

He also said the matter of strengthening the security structure inside the port is under way.

Trade across the Bangladesh-Myanmar border began in 1995. Teknaf Land Port officially opened on Nov 5, 2003 on 27 acres of land.

However, import activities have practically ground to a halt following the arrival of a timber-laden trawler on Apr 13, 2025.