India’s recent decision to halt imports of certain consumer goods—such as processed food and fruits—through its northeastern region has begun to impact trade at Benapole land port in Bangladesh’s Jashore district.
As a result, 36 Bangladeshi trucks loaded with ready-made garments are currently stranded at the port, awaiting entry into India.
On Sunday, May 18, these garment-laden trucks remained stuck at the port premises.
Kartik Chakraborty, General Secretary of the Petrapole Clearing and Forwarding Agents Staff Association in India, stated that the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has imposed import restrictions on several products from Bangladesh.
However, he added that discussions are ongoing with Indian Customs to allow the import of goods for which Letters of Credit (LCs) or Telegraphic Transfers (TTs) have already been issued.
Mujibur Rahman, President of the Benapole C&F Agents Staff Association, said that due to India’s ban on importing garments through land ports, the 36 trucks carrying apparel items are now stuck at Benapole, unable to enter India.
