Thirty-six Bangladeshi trucks carrying ready-made garments (RMG) are stranded at Benapole land port following recent import restrictions imposed by India. The restrictions, announced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, prohibit the import of certain goods, including RMG, through land ports, requiring them to be routed via Kolkata Sea Port or Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva Port.
Kartik Chakraborty, secretary of the Petrapole Clearing Agent Staff Welfare Association, explained that goods which already have Letters of Credit (LCs) or Telegraphic Transfers (TTs) are under discussion with Indian Customs for potential clearance. However, trucks carrying goods without such arrangements remain stuck, causing concern among exporters about possible financial losses.
Mohsin Milon, president of the Benapole Importers and Exporters Association, confirmed that the 36 trucks have been halted at the port due to these restrictions. “The sudden policy change by the Indian Government has created significant disruption for us,” he said.
Mamun Kabir Tarafder, deputy director of Benapole Land Port, stated that the port authorities have informed higher officials about the issue, which came into effect immediately following the Indian Government’s notification. The restrictions also extend to processed food items, further impacting bilateral trade.
The move by India follows Bangladesh’s recent decision to restrict Indian cotton imports via sea ports and close land crossings, further straining trade relations. A diplomatic source indicated that these measures are part of broader trade tensions between the two neighboring countries.
Trade officials and exporters are closely monitoring the situation, concerned about the potential economic repercussions of these border restrictions.
