Benapole Import-Export Operations Resume After Eight-Day Halt

Import and export operations through the Benapole land port resumed on Saturday morning, October 24, after an eight-day shutdown. Around 3,000 workers returned to duty in the morning to handle cargo loading and unloading, restoring full operational vigour to the port. According to port sources, traders from both India and Bangladesh had suspended import-export activities for eight consecutive days due to the Sharadiya Durga Puja festival and regular weekly holidays. However, passenger movement between the two countries with valid passports remained normal during this period.

Aminul Haq, Vice President of the Benapole Port Importers and Exporters Association, stated that bilateral trade restarted this morning following the eight-day hiatus. Importers, exporters, C&F agents, port and customs officials, and port labourers are currently busy unloading goods. Due to the extended break, severe traffic and container jams formed on both sides of the border, with thousands of freight-laden trucks waiting to enter the port. However, congestion has begun to clear as import-export and cargo unloading activities got underway.

On average, around 500 trucks operate through this port daily, generating nearly BDT 200 million in daily government revenue. The eight-day operational halt resulted in an estimated revenue loss of BDT 1.6 billion for the government. Ruhul Amin, Acting Director of Benapole Port, confirmed that import and export activities resumed in full swing from Saturday morning after the holidays. All port employees who were on leave have rejoined their duties. Relevant personnel have been instructed to expedite cargo clearance to resolve the traffic and logistics backlogs swiftly.