Goods from India into Bangladesh through the Benapole Port — the biggest trade channel between the two countries — took a hit after exporters from Bangladesh reportedly blocked imports from India for the second consecutive day after India allegedly refused to allow goods coming in from Bangladesh through the land port, on account of concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to media reports, as many as five organisations of port users convened an emergency meeting and decided to continue their protest till India paves way for entry of goods from Bangladesh into India.
It may be mentioned here that India mainly exports raw materials for garments, synthetic fabrics, polyester apart from raw materials for pharmaceutical industry, cosmetics, etc., to Bangladesh while goods coming in from latter constitute predominantly readymade garment products, jute items, betel nuts, handloom products, amongst others.
According to the Joint Secretary of Benapole Custom Clearing and Forwarding (C and F) Agent Association, Jamal Hossain, the impasse caused due to India’s refusal to allow good-laden vehicles to enter the country has led to massive loss for Bangladesh.
The Deputy Director of Benapole Land Port, Mamun Kabir Tarafder, corroborated the same while adding that as many as 500 trucks carrying goods were waiting to enter India from Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, the General Secretary of Benapole C and F Association Emdadul Haque said that the association has written a letter in this direction to the Government of West Bengal, urging it to allow imports from Bangladesh.
