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JASHORE: Import and export activities between Bangladesh and India through the Benapole land port in Jashore will remain suspended for eight consecutive days due to Durga Puja and holidays in Bangladesh.
India’s Petrapole port has decided to suspend trade from October 17 to 21 on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja. Meanwhile, commercial activities in Bangladesh will remain suspended from October 20 to 24, including weekly holidays. The overlapping closures will temporarily disrupt cross-border goods transportation, raising concerns among traders about cargo congestion and pressure on supply chains.
However, customs and port operations at Benapole will remain normal on October 18 and 19. Loading and unloading, cargo clearance and customs assessment will continue during this period. Import and export activities between the two countries are scheduled to resume on the morning of October 25.
Badruzzaman Boni, general secretary of the Benapole C&F Agents Staff Association, said trade at Petrapole would remain suspended from October 17 to 21 for Durga Puja, while holidays in Bangladesh would interrupt commercial activities from October 20 to 24.
Port officials said large volumes of goods are transported through Benapole every day, with around 500 trucks carrying goods through the port daily. In addition, approximately 3,000 passport-holding passengers travel through the Benapole-Petrapole route each day for medical treatment, business and other purposes.
Traders said the port handles imports of various goods, including industrial raw materials and food products. A prolonged suspension of trade could lead to a backlog of cargo trucks and put additional pressure on supply chains, potentially affecting market supplies.
Saifur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Benapole Checkpost Immigration Police, said passenger movement between the two countries would remain normal despite the suspension of goods transportation. Travellers would be able to cross the border in accordance with existing rules, although passenger traffic could increase during the festival.
Meanwhile, the relevant authorities are reportedly preparing to keep cargo clearance and customs assessment operations running normally during the holidays. Officials expect port activities to return to normal after bilateral trade resumes on October 25.