Trade between Bangladesh and India through Benapole land port remained suspended Saturday due to an indefinite strike called by several port organizations.
Mofizur Rahman Sajan, president of the Benapole CandF Agents Association, said the strike was called protesting various harassment by Benapole Customs including suspension of two Benapole CandF agents’ license and withdrawal of harassment case.
Following the harassment, a joint meeting of Benapole CandF Agents Association, CandF Staff Association and Transport Owners Association was held on Thursday morning demanding suspension of license of CandF agent and withdrawal of harassment case.
He said a group of dishonest Indian truck drivers had long been smuggling illegal goods into the Benapole-Petrapole port through smuggling syndicates but the Benapole customs authorities released them, when they should have been detained.
Moreover, the blame fell on the importer and the concerned CandF. Following this, the customs authorities have already temporarily suspended 10 CandF licenses which is totally unfair, Sajan added.
Due to the strike, hundreds of cargo trucks, including perishable goods, have been stranded in the port areas of the two countries.
To keep pace with trade, port users will be consulted, said Azizur Rahman, Commissioner of Benapole Customs.
Source: United News of Bangladesh