Import trade between India and Bangladesh through the Benapole-Petrapole land port has been suspended following a dispute over gate pass responsibilities, leaving hundreds of goods-laden trucks stranded at the Petrapole side of the border.
Why was import trade suspended at Benapole port?
The suspension began, after members of the Benapole C&F Agent Staff Association refused to issue gate passes, known locally as carpass, for incoming Indian trucks. Shafiqul Islam, revenue officer at the Benapole Checkpost Customs Cargo Branch, confirmed the halt in import operations.
What triggered the dispute between C&F agents and Customs?
Badruzzaman Boni, general secretary of the Benapole C&F Agent Staff Association, said Customs authorities had issued a directive requiring C&F agent employees to take personal liability for any illegal goods found in Indian import trucks. He said the association had previously issued gate passes without accepting responsibility for illegal cargo, and that the new terms were unacceptable, prompting the suspension of import trade on behalf of C&F agents.
How are importers responding to the situation?
Ziaur Rahman Zia, general secretary of the Benapole Importers Association, said Indian exporters are best placed to know the contents of their shipments, and that C&F agents or staff should not be held responsible if illegal goods are loaded by Indian truck drivers en route. He said the suspension stems directly from the Customs directive on liability.
What is the impact on Bangladesh’s garment industry supply chain?
Hundreds of trucks stranded at Petrapole are largely carrying raw materials for Bangladesh’s fully export-oriented garment industry, raising concerns over potential delays in production schedules for garment manufacturers dependent on timely raw material imports through this key land border crossing.
Is the entire port affected by the suspension? Shamim Hossain, Director of Benapole Port, confirmed that import trade has been halted since Saturday morning due to the gate pass dispute, but said exports and passenger movement through the checkpost continue to operate normally.
