Trade and passenger movement between Bangladesh and India via the Benapole-Petrapole border have remained uninterrupted since Tuesday morning, despite earlier threats from a protest on the Indian side.
The Sanatani Oikya Mancha organized a demonstration near Petrapole, demanding the release of Iskcon leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, accompanied by threats to disrupt cross-border trade on Monday.
Abdul Goni, revenue officer at the Benapole Customs Cargo Branch, confirmed that import-export activities between the two ports have been normal since Tuesday morning.
Shah Jalal, a Bangladeshi passport holder returning from India, mentioned that some Bangladeshis returned home fearing a potential border closure. However, security measures at the border have been heightened to ensure safety and prevent any untoward incidents.
Indian truck driver Palash Kumar, delivering goods to Benapole, noted stricter security at the border but reported no interference with the flow of trade.
Bangladeshi truck driver Mithun Hossain, who returned after unloading export goods at Petrapole, similarly said that operations were running as usual, with only enhanced security measures in place.
Kazi Ratan, assistant director of Benapole Land Port, provided statistics confirming the smooth flow of trade.
On Monday, 243 trucks of Indian goods were imported, while 201 trucks of Bangladeshi goods were exported. By Tuesday afternoon, 119 trucks had entered Benapole, and 48 trucks had departed for export, he said.
Imtiaz Md Ahsanul Kader Bhuiyan, officer-in-charge of Benapole International Checkpost Immigration, confirmed normal passenger movement between the two countries.
He added that more passengers were arriving in Bangladesh than departing, with no significant issues reported on the Indian side.
