Import-export activities through Sylhet’s land ports and customs stations have come to a halt due to disruptions by Indian protesters and logistical challenges.
No goods have entered Bangladesh through the Sheola Land Port or Zakiganj Customs Station since Tuesday morning (December 3). On Monday (December 2), only a small consignment of oranges was imported through Zakiganj, with no other transactions recorded.
Separately, imports of stone and coal through the Tamabil Land Port have been suspended for 16 days due to complications involving truck cleanliness and weight discrepancies on the weighing scale. However, stone imports through the Bholaganj Customs Station remain unaffected.
The suspension at Sheola and Zakiganj is linked to protests across the border in India, sparked by the arrest of expelled ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, accused of involvement in atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh.
On Sunday (December 1), hundreds of protesters under the banner of Sanatani Oikya Mancha gathered at the Sutarkandi Customs Station in Karimganj district, India, announcing a “Chal Bangladesh” programme. Protesters reportedly attempted to cross into Bangladesh but were stopped by Indian authorities. The ensuing disruptions halted import-export activities via Sutarkandi, impacting Sheola’s operations.
On Monday (December 2), similar protests occurred at the Karimganj (Sribhumi) Customs Station, where Sanatani Oikya Mancha members obstructed goods movement. This caused a complete standstill at the Zakiganj Customs Station.
At Tamabil Land Port, imports of stone and coal have been suspended due to issues with truck cleanliness and weight measurement. Importers claim they face financial losses of at least 10,000 BDT per truck under the current conditions.
Misbahul Ambia, a local importer, stated: “The weight complications at the land port are severely affecting us. Despite reaching out to government authorities, no resolution has been provided.”
Sylhet District Stone Importers Group President Md Atiq Hossain added: “Discussions are ongoing, and we are hopeful that stone imports will resume within a week.”
Tamabil Customs Revenue Officer Tanvir Hossain clarified: “The port is operational, but traders have stopped importing. We have informed higher authorities about the situation.”
The suspension of stone and coal imports at Tamabil has resulted in significant revenue losses for the government, amounting to lakhs of taka over the last two weeks.
Meanwhile, local authorities continue to maintain immigration services for passengers at Sheola and Tamabil ports, ensuring minimal disruptions to individual movement. Import-export activities are expected to resume once the logistical and protest-related issues are resolved.