Export and import activities between India and Bangladesh through the Benapole land port resumed Thursday morning after a five-day closure.
Thousands of goods-laden trucks were lined up, waiting to enter both countries at the Benapole and Petrapole port areas.
Kamal Uddin Shimul, vice president of the Benapole C&F Agents Association, explained that the suspension of all import-export activities at the country’s largest land port was due to the Lok Sabha elections in India, Upazila Parishad elections in Jessore’s Saharsa, and the public holiday for Buddha Purnima.
He also noted that the five-day interruption significantly impacted the production of many industries and garment factories in Bangladesh.
The government typically earns TK25 crore in revenue daily from this port. The five-day closure resulted in an estimated revenue loss of TK1.25 billion.
Azharul Islam, officer-in-charge of Benapole Checkpost Police Immigration, stated that Bangladeshi tourists with passports were banned from traveling to India for three days due to the Lok Sabha elections. Only patients and Indian passport holders were allowed to travel during this period, starting from 6 PM on May 17.
