Import trade between India and Bangladesh via the Benapole-Petrapole port has been suspended due to complications surrounding gate passes.
The suspension occurred as members of the Benapole C&F Agent Staff Association declined to issue gate passes.
Consequently, hundreds of goods-laden trucks—mostly carrying raw materials for Bangladesh's 100% export-oriented garment industry—remain stranded at the Petrapole port in India.
The C&F agent members halted import trade starting Saturday (July 25) morning.
Shafiqul Islam, revenue officer at the Benapole Checkpost Customs Cargo Branch, confirmed the information.
Badruzzaman Boni, general secretary of the Benapole C&F Agent Staff Association, stated: "For a long time, we have been issuing gate passes (carpass) to receive Indian import trucks without taking responsibility for any illegal goods. Yesterday (Saturday), the Customs authorities suddenly issued a directive requiring C&F agent employees to take personal responsibility when receiving Indian import trucks. If any illegal items are found in a truck, the C&F representative must bear the liability, and the Customs authorities will not take any responsibility. As we do not accept such terms, import trade has been suspended on behalf of the C&F agents."
Ziaur Rahman Zia, general secretary of the Benapole Importers Association, remarked: "Indian traders export goods to Bangladesh, so they know best what is inside the shipment. If Indian truck drivers load any illegal goods en route, no C&F agent or staff can be held responsible for that. Import trade through Benapole port remains suspended due to this decision by Customs."
Shamim Hossain, director of Benapole Port, stated that import trade between Benapole and Petrapole ports has been halted since the morning due to the gate pass complications.
However, exports and passenger movement through the checkpost remain normal, he added.