Decision to halt Benapole Land Port operations after 6 pm will hamper business: DCCI

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) has expressed deep concern over the sudden decision to suspend all import and export operations through Benapole Land Port after 6:00 pm without prior notice and consultation.

The decision, reportedly taken by the Benapole Customs to prevent illegal goods infiltration and smuggling, is likely to hamper overall trade activities, the DCCI said in a press statement on Sunday. 

As Benapole is the largest land port in the country which handles the majority of Bangladesh’s bilateral trade with India, there could have significant implications for cross-border trade and revenue generation due to this decision, it said. 

According to the Bangladesh Land Port Authority, during the fiscal year 2024–25, the total volume of Bangladesh’s import and export through this port was 20,11,268 and 4,21,713 metric tonnes respectively.

Therefore, such an abrupt and unexpected decision is likely to cause significant financial losses to traders, while also reducing revenue earnings of the port authority, according to the statement. 

Furthermore, due to the shortened operational hours, a large number of trucks carrying goods particularly perishable items-are now stranded on both sides of the border, creating risks of damage and wastage.

Besides, as a result of this decision all concerned businesses will have adverse impact and it may also increase the lead time in international trade, the Dhaka Chamber said in the statement. 

DCCI said it believes coordinated efforts among port authorities and law enforcement agencies are essential to prevent illegal trade and smuggling. However, using that as a reason to suspend trade operations at the country’s largest land port is not acceptable. It also thinks that if export-import operations remain open, the infiltration of illegal goods and smuggling will be reduced significantly. 

To restore normal business operations, Dhaka Chamber urged the relevant authorities to withdraw the imposed restrictions at the earliest and take effective measures to ensure smooth and uninterrupted trade activities at Benapole Land Port.

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