Trade through Benapole halted as Amit Shah visits Petrapole

Trade between Bangladesh and India via Benapole land port has been suspended for two days due to Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Petrapole port for the inauguration of a new passenger terminal. 

Trade operations will resume on Monday, according to Rashedul Sajib Najir, Deputy Director of Benapole land port.

While export and import activities are on hold, the movement of passport-holding passengers remains unaffected, as confirmed by Imtiaz Bhuiya, Officer-in-Charge of Benapole Immigration Police.

Kamlesh Saini, Manager of Petrapole port, mentioned that the opening ceremony of the terminal was previously delayed due to weather conditions on October 24.

Benapole-Petrapole serves as a critical trade route, with daily transit of 400-450 import trucks and 200-250 export trucks. 

Key imports from India include garments, raw factory materials, pharmaceuticals, industrial machinery, chemicals, food items, and vehicle parts. 

Bangladesh’s exports through the port include jute products, fish, ceramics, soap, and textiles.